II 






w 



MATERNITY: 

/ / / FOR 

YOUNG WIVES AND MOTHEES. 



i 



- - - 

BY 






TULLIO SUZZARA VERDI, A.M., M.D., 

OF WASHINGTON, D. C, 

Graduate of the Gymnasium of Literature and Science, Mantua, Italy ; of the Pennsylvania 

Homoeopathic Medical College ; Clinical Student of the Philadelphia Hospital Blockley j 

formerly Associate Physician of the New York Lying-in Asylum ; Member 

of the American Institute of Homoeopathy ; of the Hahnemann 

Medical Institute of Philadelphia, etc. 





NEW YOEK: 
J. B. FORD AND COMPANY. 

1870. 



T 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by 

J. B. FORD & COMPANY, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States^for the Southern 
District of New York. 



University Press: Welch, Bigelow, & Co., 
Cambridge. 



TO 



MES. HEKRY D. COOKE, 

PATIENT AND SENSIBLE DURING SICKNESS,' INEXHAUSTIBLE IN LOVE; 

UNWEARIED IN SOUND TEACHINGS; EVER SPREADING AROUND 

A HALO WHICH MAKES HOME A PARADISE,— 

TO THEE IS THIS BOOK INSCRIBED, 



TO HUMANITY. 



PEEFACE. 



Without offering an apology for my own method in 
the practice of medicine, in which I have a right to 
keep myself free from the shackles of intolerance and 
narrow-mindedness ; without offering a scientific essay 
to prove that my views and practice are perfectly con- 
sistent with the " homoeopathic law of cure," and with 
the principles of Physiology, Pathology, and Thera- 
peutics, — I deem it due to my book, and to those who 
honor it with their confidence, to explain the system I 
have adopted for the relief of my patients ; for out of 
the necessities and results of my own practical experi- 
ence has the book grown. 

First, My duty to my patient, I conceive to be, to 
cure or relieve him ; never to sacrifice him to any pet 
theory I may have conceived. For that purpose, I en- 
deavor to glean knowledge from the writings or reports of 
every man or woman experienced in Physic, although 
they may be devoted to systems of medical practice 
different from mv own. 

5 



8 PREFACE. 

all that is claimed for it. Such are some of their " spe- 
cifics " and " adjuvants." 

Homoeopathic physicians need not decry specifics; 
for Homoeopathy is a system of specifics par excellence. 
Quinine, for instance, is a specific. How it acts, what 
is the pathological or physiological process by which it 
breaks up a malarious intermittent fever, has been dis- 
cussed ably by able men, without making their pupils 
much wiser than they were before. Still, quinine 
continues its healthful action in spite of this learned 
ignorance. Allopathic physicians may claim it as their 
own, and accuse a Homoeopath of inconsistency when he 
makes use of it. Homoeopathic physicians, on the other 
hand, may fear to use it, lest the dose acknowledged to 
cure be an acknowledgment of the defeat of their pet 
potencies. Still, as long as the former have no better 
claim to it than the dose, and as long as the latter have 
no remedies, which, in smaller doses, will replace that 
drug, I shall claim the privilege of using and advising it 
whenever I deem it needful. 

By a " specific " is understood a remedy, which, 
u things being equal," will always cure a certain given 
case. Such a remedy, probably, does not exist ; for 
there is no case in which things are all equal. Yet, 
when a remedy will cure a given case eight times out 
of ten, with things unequal, we may call it a specific. 
Quinine will cure acute malarious intermittent fever in 
eight cases out of ten ; and there is no other remedy 



PREFACE, 9 

nor any class of remedies that will do as much. It fails 
sometimes ; and I have often cured intermittent fever 
with Homoeopathic remedies, even in the very highest 
potencies, when quinine had not only failed, but aggra- 
vated the disease. The evil effects of an indiscriminate 
and inordinate use of it is no argument against it ; and 
those Homoeopathic physicians who have a horror of 
any thing larger than a decillionth of a grain should 
find some one remedy that in a high dilution would 
rival quinine in its prompt and efficacious influence. 
Then I, for one, would drop the quinine, and acknowl- 
edge their admirable discovery. As long as they give 
seventy remedies for general chilliness, sixty for general 
heat, and reckon two thousand symptoms in diverse 
combinations, the detailed following of which would 
take all one's time to treat one case, I must run the risk 
of their displeasure, and cure many cases of fever-and- 
ague by quinine with promptness and success. 

What is said of quinine is applicable to all reliable 
specifics. 

" Adjuvants " are a class of remedial agents which 
assist in the removal of disease, without having any spe- 
cific action on the disease itself or the morbific agent 
that induces disease. An emetic is an adjuvant in a 
case of swallowed poison ; a cathartic is an adjuvant in 
impaction of the intestines ; chloroform is an adjuvant 
in surgery. 

Some Homoeopathic physicians ignore all this class of 



10 PREFACE, 

remedial agents, and any thing, in fact, that is not an 
infinitesimal globule. They give a disapproving shrug 
of the shoulder when one of their colleagues makes use 
of them. The Allopathic physicians, on the other hand, 
pretend to believe that Homoeopathy is what those ex- 
tremists represent : hence they are always ready to ac- 
cuse us of deception, and of practising on false pretences, 
whenever they find that a Homoeopathic physician has 
ordered a poultice, a cathartic, or a bath. A cathartic 
will not cure constipation, if it does move the bow^els ; 
a poultice will not cure pleurisy, if it does relieve pain ; 
chloroform will not cut off a limb, if it does numb the 
sense, and the limb is off when the patient wakes. 
Therefore these adjuvants are alleviators, — assistants, 
if you please, — but have no specific, curative power 
per se, and therefore should not be classified in a system 
of cure any more than surgery or midwifery. 

The same is the case with antidotes. Is it inconsist- 
ent with the Homoeopathic law of cure to make a man 
eject a poison he has swallowed, or give him a drug that 
will induce a chemical re-action upon the matter swal- 
lowed, and render it inert ? Or is it practising Allop- 
athy to do so ? It is neither. But if the system has 
been affected by the poison, and the coats of the stom- 
ach are inflamed in consequence, then we have a dis- 
ease to treat ; and a Homoeopathic physician will treat 
it according to the law of similia similibus curantur, 
instead of the law of contraria contrariis curantur. 



PREFACE. 11 

To the Allopaths I say, It is high time to drop your 
intolerance and your egotism, and honestly investigate 
a system which is now practised by thousands of scien- 
tific medical men, and adopted by millions of thinking 
people ; and, when you find any good in it, adopt it 
for the welfare of your patients, who have a right to 
demand it of you. 

To the extreme Homoeopath I say, Do not fall into 
the error that our great Hahnemann has so loudly 
disclaimed, — bigotry. Though Hahnemann worked 
Homoeopathy into a science, he would not think of claim- 
ing that he discovered all that there is to know ; and had 
he thought, that, in expounding and rendering practical 
his theory, he had shut the door to all progress and re- 
search, he would rather have been silent, and left us in 
the chaos or the Babel of the old school. 

Homoeopathy is not Hahnemannism, any more than 
electricity is Galvanism, Voltaism, Faradayism, Frank- 
linism, or Morseism. He who styles himself " a Hahne- 
mannist pure " is one who has the least claim to his 
honorable name. 

This may seem an appeal rather to physicians than 
to the public. But I have reason to believe in the in- 
telligence of the American people ; and I wish to help 
in releasing many good Homoeopathists from the bond- 
age of error in which they stand ; to give my reasons 
for claiming to practise by the Homoeopathic law of cure, 
while making use of specifics which Homoeopathic sci- 



12 PREFACE. 

ence has not yet replaced, and of adjuvants, which, 
being not physiological but mechanical or chemical in 
their action, are, and always must remain,4ree to the 
use of all schools and all practices. 

And, in thus giving reasons for my own practice, I 
hope to show intelligent laymen that true Homoeopathy 
is not a cast-iron system, but a vigorous, living, growing, 
and fruit-bearing tree, whose useful existence, more- 
over, is not inconsistent with the flourishing of other 
plants in the same glorious field. 

And it is especially to American mothers that I bring 
this little book ; hoping and believing, that, containing 
as it does the conscientious results of many years' ardu- 
ous practice, it may give them helpful counsel and ad- 
vice in that holiest of their duties, — the bearing and 
rearing of children. 

T. 8. V. 



CONTENTS, 



PAGE. 

Preface • 5 

PAET I. 

PROCKEATION AND PRODUCTION. 

FERTILITY. 

Love. — Reproduction must be Healthy to be Conducive to the Propaga- 
tion of the Species. — Transmission of Disease. — Fertility means 
Quantity and Quality. — Facts culled from Statistics, showing at what 
Age Women are most Fruitful ; the Age of the Mothers affecting the 
Development of their Offspring ; Weight and Size of Children at Birth ; 
the Proportion of Twins; the Marriages at a Tender Age less Fertile; 
the Proportion of Children who arrive at Maturity ; the Mortality 
amongst Married Women greater in those who marry very early . 21-23 

STERILITY. 
Cause of Sterility. — How to obviate it 23-26 

THE WOMB AND ITS APPENDAGES. 

Anatomy of the Womb, the Ovaries, and the Fallopian Tubes. — Tho 
Graafian Vesicles and the Ovum. — Description of the Various Dis- 
placements of the Womb 26-28 

OVULATION, MENSTRUATION, CONCEPTION. 

Growth and Functions of the Ovaries. — Puberty of Girls marked by 
the Development of the Ovaries. — Growth of the Graafian Vesicles 
within the Ovaries; their Maturity, and the Escape of the Ovum. — 
Its Passage through the Fallopian Tubes to the Womb. — Fecunda- 
tion of the Ovum. — Menstruation the Result of Ovulation. — Men- 
struation impossible where the Ovaries are Absent. — Cessation of 
Ovulation is Cessation of Menstruation also. — Change of Life . . 28-32 

PRELIMINARIES. 

Preparations of the Womb for the New Being. — Speculations in regard 

to the Sex before Birth '. 32-34 

xiii 



XIV CONTENTS. 

PREGNANCY. 

ITS SYMPTOMS. 



PAGE. 



Suppression of the Menses. — Physical and Rational Signs. — Enlarge- 
ment and Shape of the Abdomen.- — Symptoms classified as they 
occur within Each of the Nine Months. — Quickening. — Duration of 
Pregnancy. — General Advice to Women with Child. — Fears of Dan- 
ger.— First Children, &c 34-43 

MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

Mental Disorders. — Undefined Fear of Pending Evil; Anxiety about 
the Future, and Fear of Dying. — Moral and Physical Hygiene in 

such Cases. — Medical Treatment of the same 44-47 

Disorders of the Stomach. — Morning Sickness 48-52 

Derangement of Appetite. — Desire for Unusual and Noxious Things. 

— Diet, Regimen, and Treatment . 52-57 

Constipation 57-60 

Diarrhoea 61 

Flatulence ....#.' 62 

Piles ' 63 

Salivation 66 

Toothache 66 

Liver-Spots . 68 

Jaundice 68 

Colic 68 

Special Ailments.— Itching 69 

Cough 70 

Shortness of Breath 71 

Pain in the Right Side 72 

Spitting of Blood . 73 

Anaemia and Plethora 73 

Palpitation of the Heart 78 

Fainting 79 

Headache. — Congestive Headache . 81 

Headache from Constipation, or Gastric Derangement .... 83 

Sick Headache ............. 84 

Nervous Headache 86 

Headache from Cold, or Catarrh in the Head ...... 88 

Sleeplessness . . . ... . 89 

ABORTION. 

Miscarriage. — Its Causes.— Classification . . . . . . 91 

Symptoms ... - 94 

Abortion as a Danger to the Life and Health of the Mother ... 96 

Hygiene and Treatment 97 

Flooding, threatening Abortion 98 

Criminal Abortion. — The Physician and the Woman in Relation to 
Criminal Abortion. — Recognition of the Crime. — Punishment of the 
Perpetrators by Civilized Nations. — Laws of this Country regarding 
it 99-102 



CONTENTS. XV 

PAINS. 

PAGE. 

Rheumatic and Neuralgic Pains simulating Labor. — How to distinguish 

these Pains. — How to treat them 102-105 

VARICOSE VEINS. 

Cause and Treatment • 106 

DROPSY. 

Local and General. — Females Liable to Dropsy. — Causes. — Connected 
with Diseases of the Kidneys. — Dropsy from Bright's Disease. — 

Tests. — Effects. — Treatment 107 

False "Waters Ill 

Leucorrh<ea 112 

DISEASES OF THE WOMB AFFECTING PREGNANCY. 

Prolapsus. — Retroversion. — Anteversion. — Lateral Obliquities. — Ef- 
fects of these Displacements on the Impregnated Womb . . .113-115 

Ulcerations of the Womb 115 

Inflammation 116 

Irritability 116 

MISCELLANEOUS DISORDERS. 

Rigidity and Laxity of the Abdomen 117 

Incontinence of Urine . . . 117 

Palsy, Amaurosis, and Deafness 120 

Intellectual Disorders, Insanity . 122 

Convulsions 122-126 



PAET II. 

LABOR. 

PREPARATION. 

Occupation of the Mother during Pregnancy. — List of Articles of Cloth 
ing needed by the Mother. — Articles needed by the Child . 

Monthly Nurse ; how to select and engage one ..... 

The Room. — The Bed. — Accommodations to be furnished to the Physi 
cian. — Articles that should be at hand during Labor. — Bandage 

When to send for the Physician and the Nurse 



129 
131-134 

134-136 
136 



LABOR. 

Presentations ; how to distinguish them ; their Importance . 139 
Premonitory Signs. — Actual Signs. — What is to be done during the 
First Stage. — How to make an Examination. — The Arrival of the 
Physician. — Conduct of the Attendants and the Husband. —Arrange- 
ment of the Dress 140-144 



XVI CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

Second Stage. — What is to be done during the Second Stage. — How 

and when to cut the Cord. — Management of the Afterbirth . . 144-146 

AFTER LABOR. 

Attention to the Child during and immediately after Birth. — What is to 

be done if the Child does not breathe, or is very Weakly . . . 146-148 

Attentions to the Mother. — When she should be allowed to change 
Position. — Washing the Child. — Dressing the Umbilical Cord. — 
Dressing the Child. — Presentation of the Child to the Mother. — 
When Company may be allowed in the Room 148-152 

DISORDERS DURING- PARTURITION. 

False Labor. — False Pains. — Nausea and Vomiting. — Nervousness. — 
Slow and Feeble Contractions. — Irregularity and Suspension of 
Pains. — Hemorrhage. — Flooding (under " Abortion " ) . . .152-154 

TREATMENT OF THE WOMAN AFTER DELIVERY. 

After-Pains . — Attention to the Urine. — Lochia, or Discharges from the 
Womb. — Inflammation of the Soft Parts, the Vagina and Womb, 
after Delivery . . . .154-158 

CHLOROFORM AND ITS ADMINISTRATION IN LABOR .... 158 



PAET III. 

THE NURSING AND REARING OF INFANTS. 

LACTATION. 

Milk-Fever .165-168 

Quantity and Quality of Human Milk. — Care of the Breasts and Nip- 
ples. — The Breast-Pump. — Inflammation and Suppuration of the 
Breasts. — Insufficiency of Milk in^the Breasts. — Quantity of Milk. 

— Deterioration of Milk, . caused by the Health of the Mother, her 
Age, Acute Diseases affecting her, Moral Affections, Menstruation, 
Pregnancy, Alimentary and Medicinal Substances, Violent Exercise. 

— Incontinence of Milk. — Too abundant Secretion, and its Effects 
upon the Mother. — Excessive Nursing; its Effects. — The Mother to 
nurse her own Child. — When the Mother should be debarred from 
nursing her own Child. — External Causes that may interfere with 
Nursing, — Malformation, Inflammation, Suppuration, Ulceration, 
Cracking of the Nipples.— The Mother's Milk insufficient to nourish 

the Child 168-180 

Mixed Nursing 180 

Rules to be observed in Nursing.— Protection of the Breasts while 

Nursing 182-186 



CONTENTS. xvn 

PAGE. 

Wet-Nurse ; Selection; Important Qualities needed; Certain Objec- 
tions 186-189 

Regimen and Diet of Nursing- Women . ...*.... 189 

Raising a Child 11 by Hand." — Cow's, Ass's, Ewe's, Solidified, Con- 
densed Milk • 191-195 

Artificial Food. — Farinaceous Articles. — Broths. — Lentil-Powder. — 
Crumb of Bread. — Flour. — Rusks. — Crust of Bread. — Rice-Powder. 
— Arrowroot. — Oatmeal. — Sago. — Semolina. — Barley. — (Hands 
Doux, or Sweet-Acorn Flour. — Animal Food. — Beef-Broth. — Mut- 
ton-Broth. —Chicken-Broth. — Chocolate. — Racabout. — Alkethrepta. 
— Liebeg's Food . 195-199 

DRESS OF INFANTS. 

The "Wearing of a Cap during Sleep. — Clothing while Asleep. — Clothing 

during Sickness. — Clothing during and after a Walk . . . . 199-200 

WASHING AND BATHING THE INFANT. 
Necessity of Washing and Bathing. — How it should be done . . .200-202 

AIR AND EXERCISE. 

Instructions and Cautions in regard to . . . . . . ._ 202 

Weaning and Teething . 204-208 

Vaccination 208-209 

Early Training 210-212 



PART IV. 

DISEASES OF INFANCY AND CHILDHOOD. 
Dr. Meigs on the Understanding of Infants' Symptoms ..... 215 

SPECIAL EXTERNAL INDICATIONS. 

Meaning of Cries 216 

Vomiting 217 

Diarrhoea 218 

Impaired Appetite and Thirst 219 

Abnormalities of the Belly 220 

Deranged Stools 220 

Unnatural Breathing 221 

Cough 221-222 

Abnormal Urine 222 

Pulse 223 

Abnormal Temperature 223 

Different Eruptions and Colors of the Skin 224 

Certain Expressions and Aspect, Hoarse Voice, Abnormal Sleep, Swell- 
ing of Glands 225 



XTin CONTENTS. 

SPECIFIC DISEASES OF INFANTS. 

PAGE. 

Elongation of the Head at Birth 226 

Ruptures. — Inflammation of the Navel. — Inflammation of the Eyes . 227 

Scrofulous Ophthalmia. — Crying, Restlessness, and Sleeplessness . . 228 

Coryza (Snuffles). — Swelling of the Breast 228 

GASTRIC DERANGEMENTS. 

Sore Mouth . . . 230 

Thrush 231 

Colic. — Flatulency.— Crying 234 

Common Indigestion of Children 236 

Constipation 239 

Diarrhoea. — Cholera Infantum. — Dysentery. — Summer-Complaint . 242-248 

Teething 248-250 

Softening of the Stomach. — Worms . 252 

AFFECTIONS OF THE SKIN. 

Eruptions from Teething; from Heat; from Indigestion .... 256 

Chafing, Excoriations, and Rawness of the Skin 257 

Erysipelas of New-born Infants 257 

Jaundice. — Blue Disease 258 

Milk-Crust 259 

Dampness 260 

Mumps 261 

AFFECTIONS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

Convulsions. — Spasms 262 

URINARY DISORDERS. 
Retention of Urine. — Incontinence of Urine. —Wetting the Bed. — 

Gravel in Infants 265-267 

FEVERS AND ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 

Characteristic Symptoms of the Different Kinds of Fever . . . 268 

Scarlet-Fever and Measles 269 

Simple Scarlatina. — Scarlatina Anginosa. — Scarlatina Maligna. — 
Simple Measles. — Complicated Measles. — Malignant Measles. — 
Sequelae of Scarlatina. — Sequelae of Measles .... .271-280 

Small-Pox. — Varioloid.— Chicken-Pox 280 

Sequelae of Small-Pox and Varioloid 286 

Rubeolas. — Roseolae . . . . 287 

Infantile Remittent Fever 287 

Intermittent Fever 288 

AFFECTIONS OF THE EAR. 
Inflammation of the Ear. — Ear- Ache. — Running at the Ear . . , 289-290 



CONTENTS. xix 

DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

PAGE. 

Bronchitis. — Pneumonia. — Broncho-Pneumonia 291-297 

Simple Sore-Throat. — Ulcerated Sore-Throat. — Enlargement and In- 
flammation of the Tonsils and Palate 297-300 

Croup 300-304 

Diphtheria 304-307 

Asthma of Children 307 

Whooping-Oough 308-312 

Influenza 312 

Cough in General 313-316 



PART V. 

MORAL AND PHYSICAL TRAINING OF CHILDREN. 

RELATION OP THE MIND TO THE BODY. 

The Brain the Seat of the Intellectual Faculties. — Food for the Brain 
and for the Mind. — Intuition. — Reason. — Development of the Brain 
and of the Mind. — Inherited Traits. — Infancy. — Adolescence, or 
Puberty. — Virility. — Dementia 319-324 

MORAL AND PHYSICAL HYGIENE OF CHILDHOOD. 

Should Moral Education be isolated from the Physical ? — Education 
should be Slow and Progressive. — Development of the* Organs in 
Relation to the Exercise of Mental Functions. — The Parent's Beha- 
vior before his Child. — Children's Perversity. — What constitutes a 
Theft. — Children to be educated to live in the Society of their Fellow- 
men. — A Knowledge of the Child's Nature necessary to understand 
its Wants. — Self- Gratification and Self-Protection Instincts of Animal 
Nature. — An Innocent Child cannot steal. — Conduct of the Parent, 
if the Child takes surreptitiously. — Why does a Child lie ? — Conduct 
of the Parent when the Child evades the Truth. — Father and Daugh- 
ter, Mother and Son : their Sympathies. — Indulgent Parents. — Moral 
Virtues to be impressed on the Child 324-332 

PHYSICAL TRAINING- OF CHILDREN. 

Care to be taken of the Skin. — Action of Friction 333 

Bathing. — Cold Baths. — Tepid Baths. — Warm Baths. — Rules for 
using Water. — Time of Day to bathe. — Before or after Meals. — 
Good or bad Re-action. — Bathing in the Open Air. — Season . . 334-336 

Air and Exercise. — Girls to exercise as well as Boys. — Games for Girls. 

— Rules to be observed after exercising 336-337 

Food. — Evacuations 338 



XX CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 
Sleep 339 

School-Days. — Rules for Studying. — Too many Hours of Study at 
School. — Too little Recreation. — Effects of too much Study and too 
much Discipline at School. — The Atmosphere of a School. — The Day 
of Recreation should not he Saturday. — Effects of the Confinement 
and too long Sitting in School. — How much Rest and Recreation from 
Studying is required to keep Children in Good Health. — Pleasure- 
Grounds and Gymnastic Apparatus. — Punishment. — Cause of 
American Woman's Mental Development and Physical Weakness. — 
Physical Development in Relation to the Emancipation of Woman . 340-342 



PERIOD OF ADOLESCENCE.— PUBERTY. 

Physical and Moral Changes during this Period. — Menstruation. — Nor- 
mal and Ahnormal Menstruation. — Causes of Irregularity of the Men- 
ses. — Neglect of Mothers concerning Menstruation in Girls. — Hygiene 
of Girls at this Period. — Exercise of Boys and Girls during this Period 
of Change. — Advantages of Boys' Pleasure-Games. — Gymnastics. — 
Dancing. — Botany an Excellent Mental and Physical Exercise for 
Girls 343-350 



DRESS. 

Object of Dressing. — Effects of Unequal Dressing. — Children Half 
Dressed. — Dress of Women not calculated to protect them from At- 
mospherical Vicissitudes. — Effects of Different Degrees of Heat on the 
Body at the Same Time. — Exposure of the Neck. — Exposure of the 
Legs. — Lacing. — Fashion and Habits of Dress. — Pleasure-Grounds 
and Shady-Sides. — How Dress affects Girls. — Dress as a Cause of 
Consumption, Constipation, Falling of the Womb, Leucorrhcea, &c. — 
How Girls are partially dressed ........ 351-357 

ONANISM. 

Common among Boys and Girls. — Symptoms. — Maladies resulting from 

Onanism. — Treatment 358-360 



MARRIAGE. 

Harmony of Temperament and Education.— Hasty Marriages. — Im- 
portance of the Contract entered into ; Deliberation and Care which 
should be exercised in making it. — The American System of ** En- 
gagements."— Duties of Parents to their Children. — An Apprecia- 
tive Sympathy and Friendly Companionlhip mth the Young, a Great 
Safeguard. —A Girl fit to Marry. — Early Training to Profession of 
Housekeeping. — Health in Marriage. — Antecedents of both Parties. 
— Marriage Morally and Physically desirable. — Hints to Parents. — 
A Plea for Woman 361-376 



CONTENTS. xxi 

PAET YL 

DIETETIC RULES. 

FOOD. 

Varieties Needed 379- 581 

Proportions of Different Elements in Articles of Food; Tabular "View . 382 
Varieties Described 383 

DIET. 

Under Medical Treatment 384-386 

Cautions and Regimen ........... 387 



PAET VII. 

CASUALTIES. 

Falls and Blows. — Contusions, Bruises 391 

Concussion. — Compression 392 

Burns. — Scalds 394 

Cuts 396 

Punctures 398 

Stings of Insects , 399 

Drowning .............. 400 

Suffocation caused by Gas 401 

Choking 402 



PART VIII. 

POISONS. 

Domestic Antidotes to Poisons. — Various Emetics in Different Cases of 

Poisoning 405 

General Antidotes, how and when to be applied 406 

Specific Poisons, their Antidotes, Treatment, and Tests. — Arsenic. — Cor- 
rosive Sublimate, Mercury, Copper, Prussic Acid, and their Com- 
pounds. — Acids. — Alkalies and their Compounds. — Lead. — Glass. 
— Enamel. — Chloroform 407-411 

Vegetable Poisons. — Irritants. — Aero-Narcotics. — Narcotics. — Poison- 
ous Mushrooms 411-413 

Poisonous Fish 413 



xxn CONTENTS. 

PAET IX. 
MEDICINES. 

PREPARATION OF POTENCIES AND ADMINISTRATION OF REMEDIES. 

Remedies prepared in Tinctures, Triturations, or Globules. — Meaning of 
Potency. — Mother-Tinctures and Dilutions. — Triturations and Atten- 
uations. — Dynamic Force. — High and Low Dilutions and Dilution- 
ists. — Law of Similia Similibus curantur. — Necessity of the Small 
Dose : why ? — Dose for Infants, for Older Children, and for Adults. — 
Repetition of the Dose. — Alternation of Remedies. — List of Reme- 
dies 417-430 



PAET X. 

Index 433-451 



PART I 



PKOCKEATION AND PEODUCTM. 



19 



PEOCREATION AND PEODUCTION. 



FERTILITY. 

Love, stripped of its poetical sentiment, is among men, 
and, for what we know, among all generative things, 
an attribute of creation, to bear out the intent of the all- 
wise Creator. From love spring all the elements of virtue, 
the order and the well-being of an innumerable family that 
otherwise would decay from discordancy, laxity, non-adhe- 
sion, and segregation. 

Reproduction is not sufficient, however. Unless it were 
healthy, it would not be conducive to the propagation of the 
species. The parent that transmits disease to his offspring, 
causing it to decay before its full development, is infringing 
upon God's law, and committing a moral crime. 

The fertility of the human being is as essential to the 
plans of the Creator as the fertility of the soil to the labors 
of the husbandman. Fertility conveys not only the idea 
of quantity, but of quality as well. A field covered with 
the green blades of wheat is of no import to the husband- 
man, if the pod be diseased or empty : therefore, in the 
selection of the seed, the husbandman takes care that the 
healthy, well-grown grain be chosen. 

Would that it were so in the human family ! The rickety 
specimens of humanity that infest our streets and crowd 
our hospitals would not exist ; the scrofula, the consumption, 

21 



22 FERTILITY. 

that fill our early graves, would disappear ; and man and 
woman, in the fulfilment of the most sublime conception of 
the Creator, would be beautiful. 

Statisticians have collected facts in regard to this subject 
of human propagation that are not only interesting to a 
student, but instructive to all thoughtful persons. 

Burdach, Quentelet, Collins, Mcintosh, Sadler, Hecker, 
Milne, Malthus, Finlayson, Stark, Duncan, and other illus- 
trious obstetricians and physiologists, have attempted, from 
records and experience, to obtain figures that enabled them 
to instruct the world in regard to the actual fertility and 
sterility of our race. 

From the -recent work of Prof. Duncan of Edinburgh, I 
cull some pertinent facts : — 

Three-fifths of the human race are born of mothers below 
the age of thirty years ; two-fifths, from that age upward : 
and, strangely enough, the most prolific age in women is 
from fifteen to twenty. 

Child-bearing is more fruitful during the second, third, 
and fourth year of married life, than during any others. 

The age at which wives bear children has a direct influ- 
ence on the development of their offspring. 

First-born children are lighter in weight and smaller in 
size than subsequent ones ; and comparative statistics show 
that the heaviest weight and largest size of a child are found 
in the offspring of women between the ages of twenty and 
thirty. Therefore, if size and weight indicate development 
and health, it would seem to reason against endowing pri- 
mogeniture with property and titles, if that is done to 
secure success in the management of affairs in future gen- 
erations. 

The proportion of twins in the history of fertility is of 
one to eighty deliveries ; while the largest number of twins 
is born of mothers from the age of twenty-five to thirty. 



FERTILITY. 23 

It is also a singular fact, that the number of twins increases 
in proportion to the number of pregnancies to which a 
woman has been subject. 

Marriages at a tender age — viz., before a woman is per- 
fectly developed, and capable of administering to all the 
wants of a child — are not only less fertile, but the chil- 
dren also, who are the fruit of them, increase the rate of 
mortality. The proportion of children who arrive at the 
age of maturity is greater in those who are the fruit of 
women from the age of twenty to twenty-five. 

The mortality amongst married women is greater in those 
who marry from the age of fifteen to twenty than in those 
who marry from twenty to thirty-five. A want of proper 
growth and development is, without doubt, the cause of the 
greater proportion in the mortality of young women. 

These condensed facts, obtained from the experience of 
men of great observation and analytical power, should not 
go unheeded by parents: The welfare of their daughters 
demands that the parents should not be guided by excep- 
tional cases, but by the logic that these statements suggest. 
In observing this, they will x avoid those sad errors that a 
lifetime of regret cannot correct. 



STERILITY. 

The barrenness, or sterility, of married couples is one of 
the most prolific sources of domestic unhappiness. " Chil- 
dren are a heritage from the Lord ; blessed is the man that 
hath his quiver full of them." This is the testimony of 
Holy Writ ; and even from the ancient days when these words 



24 STERILITY. 

were written, through all the life of the world, in palace or 
in hovel, the truth of it stands unimpeaehed. It becomes, 
then, of importance to look into the causes of sterility ; for 
knowledge of them frequently assists in their removal. 

Sterility is the inability of an individual to supply his or 
her share of the procreating element ; but the word is gen- 
erally applied to females who cannot conceive, whatever 
the cause may be. 

Sterility among men, of normal conformation, is very 
rare, and can be caused only by an unnatural condition of 
the vital principle of the fecundating fluid. Constitutional 
diseases may so affect the generative organs in man as to 
render him sterile. And, although he may not be aware of 
his deficiency in reproductive power (for the cause may 
be remote, and not within the scope of his knowledge), 
still the fluid emanating from him may not contain the 
germ of fecundation ; or, if it does, it may be «in so un- 
healthy a state as to be inefficient in its operation. This 
condition may be brought on by syphilis, venereal excess, 
advanced age, or chronic maladies. 

Among young married people, a very common cause of 
sterility is an excessive sexual indulgence. In such cases, a 
temporary separation is advisable. We know of many in- 
stances where this measure has been rewarded by successful 
consequences. A few sea-baths on the part of the husband 
during the separation, will be greatly conducive to the re- 
gaining of his manly vigor. 

There is a time, also, when woman is said to be naturally 
sterile ; and that is, after the ovum has escaped the womb, 
which generally happens about the twelfth day after men- 
struation. From this time to two or three days before the 
menses are due again, many physiologists maintain that 
woman is absolutely sterile. The knowledge of this fact 
should serve those who do not desire children, or who are 
anxious to avoid additions to an already too numerous family. 



CAUSES. - 25 

Besides the above-mentioned period, it may also be stated 
that, as a rule, women do not generally conceive while nurs- 
ing their infants. 

Beyond these normal periods of temporary barrenness, 
however, sterility is quite frequent among women; and the 
causes are often obscure. The organic causes are : a closure 
of the uterine neck; imperfections in the conformation of 
the Fallopian tubes or ovaries ; and strictures of the vagina 
itself. Physiologists have advanced other theories, such as 
the absence of voluptuous sensation at the approach of the 
conjugal relation, contrast of temperaments, &c. 

This latter, which is called "the theory of frigidity," is 
untenable, from the fact that many women who have never 
experienced the slightest voluptuous sensation have con- 
ceived and given birth to a numerous family ; that women 
have conceived when commerce was forced on them under 
the most repugnant circumstances, or even under the most 
complete lethargy. 

The contrast of temperament — although very rarely — 
has sometimes been proven a true cause of sterility, by the 
fact that a man and a woman who never have had children 
while they cohabited together, each had children when sep- 
arated, and married to another person. 

Well-confirmed causes of sterility in woman are, also: 
prolapsus of the womb ; obliquities that throw the mouth 
of the womb against the bladder or the rectum ; ulcerations 
and inflammations of the neck of the womb ; acrid purulent 
leucorrhcea ; and tumors. These latter causes can be re- 
moved by proper treatment, for which only a physician of 
high respectability and professional eminence should be em- 
ployed. 

It may be remarked, generally, that women who have not 
borne children for many years need not despair, because 
there are many cases of wives who have conceived even 
after twenty years of perfect sterility. 



26 THE WOMB, AND ITS APPENDAGES. 

Rest, and change of climate, are often productive of hap- 
py results, when there seems to be no apparent reason for 
sterility. 

Dr. Duncan states, that the age when a woman is given 
in marriage affects the probability of offspring, as, indeed, 
we have seen in our glance at the statistics of procreation. 
Very early and late marriages show a great proportion of 
sterility. 

If people would not transgress natural laws, they would 
have less occasion of blaming Providence for their own 
neglect. 



THE WOMB, 

AND ITS APPENDAGES. 

These organs, being the all-important agents in receiv- 
ing, fructifying, nourishing, quickening, ripening, and 
bringing forth to life and growth the seed of humanity, 
demand our special attention. We will give a description 
sufficiently detailed for. the purposes of this book. The 
womb is a pear-shaped sac, situated in the cavity of the 
pelvis, between the urinary bladder and the rectum, or 
terminal portion of the large intestine. It is retained in 
its position by ligaments. Its upper end is directed for- 
wards ; its lower or open end, backwards, to about six inch- 
es from the entrance of the vagina. 

The womb measures about three inches in length, two 
in breadth at its upper part, and an inch in thickness ; and 
it weighs from an ounce to an ounce and a half. 

The fundus is the upper extremity of the organ, enclos- 
ing the main cavity. 



FORMATION AND FUNCTIONS. 27 

The body gradually narrows downward from the fundus 
to the neck. 

The neck, or cervix, is the lower (rounded and constricted) 
portion of the womb ; around its circumference is attached 
the upper end of the vagina. 

At the lower or vaginal extremity of the womb is the 
mouth, called os uteri and os tincce, which is bounded by 
two lips. 

The cavity of the womb, when unoccupied by the growing 
child ; is small in comparison with the organ. 

Essentially, the womb is a thick, powerful, and elastic 
muscle, which can expand itself until it is thin as a sheet 
of paper. During pregnancy, it increases in size and 
weight. It dilates so as to be capable of retaining within 
its cavity a child weighing twelve pounds or more, the 
after-birth (weighing three or four pounds), and a pint or 
more of water. Often it contains twins, and two after- 
births. 

Its power of contractility is so great, that, during . the 
process of labor, it can expel all of its contents, and reduce 
itself to a size very little beyond its size before pregnancy, 
unaided by drugs, or by the accessory efforts of the mother. 

On either side of the womb is a narrow, tubular passage, 
one end of which enters the womb, and the other, ending in 
fimbriated or fringed branches, is connected with one of 
the ovaries. These are called the Fallopian tubes, each 
being four inches in length : their office is to convey the 
ova from the ovaries to the cavity of the uterus. 

The ovaries are elongated, oval-shaped bodies, situated 
one on each side of the womb. They are about an inch 
and a half in length, three-quarters of an inch in thickness, 
and weigh from an eighth to a quarter of an ounce. They 
contain the so-called Graafian vesicles, each of which vesi- 
cles holds an ovum, an egg. Each ovary contains from 
fifteen to thirty of these vesicles, which vary in size from a 
pin's head to a pea. 



28 TEE WOMB, AND ITS APPENDAGES. 

The ovum, or egg, is a small spherical body, situated 
near the centre of the immature vesicles, approaching, how- 
ever, a point on the periphery as the vesicles mature. The 
ova measure from ^Is *° xio °f an i ncn * n diameter. 

It is necessary, in order that our future remarks may be 
clearly understood, to give also a brief definition of the 
various terms for displacements of the womb. 

In Anteversion (literally, a turning or falling forward), 
the fundus is found pressing against the bladder, and the 
mouth against the rectum. 

In Retroversion (a falling backward), the fundus of the 
womb presses against the rectum, its mouth against the 
bladder. 

In Prolapsus, the womb sinks downward, and is found 
often far down in the vagina. 

In Anteflexion, the womb is bent upon itself, and falls 
forward against the bladder. 

In Retroflexion, it is bent upon itself, and falls backward 
against the rectum. 

Inversion, which is very rare, is the falling-in of the 
fundus within the cavity. 

OVULATION, MENSTRUATION, CONCEPTION. 

We now enter upon the exploration of a field which we 
would gladly avoid, did we not feel it to be our duty to ac- 
quaint every woman, for her own welfare, with the process 
of those functions upon which are based the creation and 
procreation of mankind, as well as of the whole animal king- 
dom. It is the ignorance of these things, and the false 
modesty connected with them, that lead to so many fatal 
errors, to so many blighted hopes. 

The Ovaries perform the highest functions in the process 
of procreation ; indeed, we may say that procreation depends 
entirely upon the presence of the ovaries, and their func- 



PUBERTY. 29 

tional integrity. These organs originate and develop the 
ova, or eggs, one of which, as with fowls and birds, is always 
a necessity to the commencement of a new being. During 
childhood, the ovaries remain inactive, and are affected by 
no periodical season. 

Puberty, or the era of fertility, commences, in woman, 
with a series of physiological processes in the ovaries, which 
prepare the female for the fulfilment of the law of procrea- 
tion. 

The time when the ovaries come to a life of activity 
differs in girls, according to climates, and personal constitu- 
tions and habits. Thus it is that warm climates, residence 
in cities, and the habits of reading romance or conversing 
on amorous subjects, together with a robust constitution, 
contribute to an early development of puberty; while a 
climate of low temperature, residence in the country where 
girls are more innocent, or constitutions of a feeble or of a 
lymphatic nature, allow this process to appear later. 

It is equally true that those who so early usher in the 
period of ovarian evolutions and menstrual functions are 
more liable to disorders of menstruation, and to an early 
cessation of those functions, than those who, through living 
in purer atmospheres, morally or physically, attain a con- 
siderable development of the body and mental faculties 
before they enter into this second sphere of vital exuber- 
ance. 

Collectively, girls arrive at puberty from the tenth to the 
eighteenth year of their life ; but this period begins, in the 
great majority, from the twelfth to the fifteenth year. 

At puberty, the ovaries awaken from a dormant state 
into a life of activity and production. The ovaries contain 
a conglomeration of vesicles, called Graafian, from their 
discoverer. Each of these vesicles contains the germ of 
an egg embedded in a fluid within the wall of the vesicle. 
For analogy, imagine the yelk of an egg surrounded by its 



30 THE WOMB, AND ITS APPENDAGES. 

albumen (the white), with this difference only, that the 
yelk of the Graafian vesicle is so small as to be impercepti- 
ble to the naked eye. Each one of these Graafian vesicles 
successively grows, at its proper time, to maturity, and is 
then no larger than a small-sized pea. The apparent 
anomaly in the size of the human egg ? as compared to the 
egg of a bird or fowl, is accounted for by the fact that the 
egg of the fowl must contain within itself the nourishment 
of the chick until this is ready to break down its prison, and 
carry off some of its wall on its back ; while the human 
being develops itself into a being within the womb, and 
derives nourishment from the body of the mother. * 

Every four weeks, one of these eggs is matured (some- 
times, though rarely, two or three), and by a process here- 
after described finds its way into the womb. 

Every four weeks, with few exceptions, a determination 
of blood to the ovaries, womb, and all the generative organs, 
takes place. This orgasm, or congestive state, is communi- 
cated to the Graafian vesicle, which swells into maturity, 
bursts, and gives freedom to the egg. This process is called 
ovulation, or generation of eggs. 

The Fallopian tubes, of which we have spoken as appen- 
dages to the womb, by a reflex or sympathetic action seize 
this egg, and convey it within their fold, on one or the other 
side. There it remains for some days. Physiologists dis- 
agree as to the length of time that the tube retains the egg ; 
some stating it at two, some five, some even eight and ten 
days : some also say that it does not retain the egg at all, 
but conveys it directly into the womb, where it remains for 
a certain time, and, if not fecundated (or made fruitful), is 
passed out. 

The temporary sojourn of the egg within the Eallopian 
tubes or within the womb has its important significance. 
It is alleged that it remains there to become fecundated by 
the male principle. If not fecundated within a certain 



OVULATION AND MENSTRUATION 31 

time, say ten or twelve days, it passes off; and, from the 
time of its exit until the succession of another ovulation, 
the woman is considered not liable to conception. 

It is to be regretted, that, at the present state of physio- 
logical knowledge, the precise duration of the egg's sojourn 
cannot be ascertained. From two to fifteen days are the 
limits after which a woman is supposed not to be liable to 
conception ; but even this rule has often been intruded 
upon, which renders the theory rather unreliable. 
. The fertilization of the egg often takes place two or 
three days before the expected menstrual flow, which is then 
interfered with and even suppressed by the very fact that 
conception has occurred. This proves that the process of 
ovulation may happen two or three days before the return 
of the menses, and that therefore the woman is liable to con- 
ception at that time. The process of ovulation and the 
exudation of the menses need not occur simultaneously. 

During ovulation, we have already stated, there is a de- 
termination of blood to the ovaries, uterus, &c. This excess 
of blood seems necessary for the maturation of the egg, and 
to its final escape from the Graafian vesicle and the ovary. 
When this process is completed, the uterus, and other parts 
oppressed by this excess of blood, are relieved by an exuda- 
tion of the superfluous matter from the womb : this it is 
which is called menstruation, or monthly flow. Should 
the ovum, however, become fecundated before menstrua- 
tion takes place, that excess of blood would be needed for 
the formation of those membranes which are to envelop the 
fructified egg as it descends into the womb ; and, conse- 
quently, menstruation would not take place, or, if it did, 
it would be but scanty. Menstruation, therefore, is totally 
dependent upon ovulation, and affected by fecundation. 
To prove this further, cases are given of women, who, 
although they had menstruated with perfect regularity, 
ceased menstruating from the moment that the ovaries had 



32 THE WOMB, AND ITS APPENDAGES. 

been extirpated by certain surgical operations made neces- 
sary by disease. A corroboration of this statement is also 
the fact that females do not menstruate before ovulation 
begins, which time is denominated the period of puberty ; 
and cease to menstruate when ovulation ceases, which period 
is called the change of life. 

The change of life occurs generally between the ages of 
forty and fifty. This change, or termination of ovulation 
and of the capability of bearing children, is affected by 
the time when ovulation first commenced, by climate, and 
by the habits and constitution of the subject. Thus, the 
woman in whom ovulation had commenced at the age of 
ten would cease menstruating five years before the one in 
whom it commenced at fifteen. And women who are of 
prudent and healthy habits, of sound and robust constitu- 
tion, may retain the power of ovulation longer than others, 
as is recorded of women who bore children at the advanced 
age of fifty-five and sixty. 

In women whose ovaries have been extirpated, the most 
singular phenomena have been noticed to take place : they 
menstruate no longer, their breasts dwindle away, their 
delicate mould and features are lost, and a more sinewy 
and coarse expression of form and face appear; the soft, 
melodious voice of woman changes into a strong, harsh, 
masculine tone. 

Menstruation, although a consequence of ovulation, is not 
necessary to conception ; for it is known that women have 
borne children who never menstruated. 



PREPARATIONS OF THE WOMB FOR THE RECEPTION 
OF THE NEW BEING. 

The vital principle of the male having found access to 
the egg, through the tubes of the uterus, the egg has re- 
ceived its fecundating element, and is now to remain in 
that wonderful chamber, to grow, and develop into a human 



PREPARATIONS FOR CONCEPTION. 33 

being. Were the womb neutral in this process, the 
egg would fall out of it from its specific gravity ; but the 
womb is not a neutral organ, and has a great part to play 
for the reception and maintenance of its guest. 

While the egg progresses in its journey through the 
Fallopian tube towards the womb, that organ forms in its 
interior a membrane, which lines its wall, and closes the 
opening of its mouth : when the egg enters, it pushes this 
membrane before it, embedding itself within. 

When the egg has not been fecundated, the womb spends 
no waste effort ; the membrane is not developed to any ex- 
tent : in fact, it remains so incomplete and delicate, that it 
passes off with the egg, unnoticed by the subject. 

But when it has been fertilized, the womb assists in the 
completion of that membrane which is to retain the child 
within its fold, increases in size, and prepares itself to sup- 
ply all the elements necessary to the growth and mainte- 
nance of the foetus. 

The monthly production of an ovum is a part of the 
proper action of the female system. Why she should be 
subject to this once a month, while the lion and the ele- 
phant are subject to it but once in three years, can only be 
answered by such questions as, Why do some roses bloom 
every month, and others only every six months, or once a 
year? 

IS IT A SON, OR A DAUGHTER? 

Different and many speculations have been advanced in 
regard to the knowledge of the sex of the child before its 
birth ; some stating that it depends upon, whether the ovum 
descends from the right or the left ovary ; some, whether 
conception takes place immediately before menstruation, or 
after. These speculations are purely the offspring of fervid 
imaginations, with no reliable statistics upon which to base 
their premises. 

3 



34 PREGNANCY. 

It is enough for a woman to know that she is with child. 
The sex of the unborn babe seems one of the mysteries 
ordained by that higher Being, who thinks it not wise to 
have man know all things. 



PREGNANCY. 

ITS SYMPTOMS. 

Suppression of the Menses. The suppression of the 
menses is not a certain sign of pregnancy, although it is 
one of its most important concomitant symptoms. Ex- 
posure to cold or wet, a shock to the nervous system from 
fright or other causes, uterine congestion or structural dis- 
ease of the womb, — any of these may cause suppression. 
There are instances in the history of pregnancy when 
women menstruated regularly through the whole period of 
utero-gestation (pregnancy) ; and it often occurs that women 
menstruate for the first two or three months. Baudelocque 
and Dewees mention cases when women menstruated only 
during pregnancy. 

Enlargement and Shape of the Abdomen. The enlarge- 
ment and shape of the abdomen is not always a sure indi- 
cation of pregnancy, and certainly not during the first 
three months. At the end of the third month, however, 
some physicians believe that they can detect a flatness 
in the lower part of the abdomen, which is produced, 
partly by the intestines being pushed upwards and side- 
ways, and partly by gaseous accumulations. The French 
have so much confidence in this change, that they have 
adopted the adage, En ventre plat, enfant il y a. During 
the first month, the process of gestation causes more blood 



SYMPTOMS. 35 

to flow to the uterine region ; and the wornb> in adapting 
itself to the new condition, causes a sympathetic irritation 
of the alimentary canal, which induces formation of gases 
that render the abdomen more tense and full : but this soon 
disappears, leaving the abdomen more natural, apparently 
destroying often the sanguine hopes of the would-be mother. 

Gases are often a concomitant symptom of pregnancy. 
In some cases, they are so troublesome as to suddenly collect 
in the abdomen; and cause such distention as to throw the 
patient into spasms. 

After the third month, the abdomen acquires a very per- 
ceptible prominence, which gradually increases and rises, 
until it fills up the whole abdominal region. 

The increase and modification of the abdomen is not in 
itself a sure sign of pregnancy ; for some women, after mar- 
riage, become very fat ; others are so constructed as to show 
very little increase ; while others show it very soon and 
plainly. Women having a large frame and large pelvis 
would show very little abdominal prominence; but little 
women with small pelvis, or women having the lower part 
of the spine much curved forward, would show a great deal. 
This is to be borne in mind in judging of the advancement 
of pregnancy when there are no data to go by. 

Although a gradual increase of the abdomen is a strong 
indication of pregnancy, there are often diseases that simu- 
late it. Dropsy may be present ; tumors may be growing 
in the abdomen. These exceptional cases do not often in- 
terfere, however, with the diagnosis. 

Additional Signs. A woman oftentimes cannot tell 
whether she is pregnant or not until the fourth or fifth 
month ; when quickening occurs, and there is no more room 
for doubt. There are, however, rational or sympathetic 
symptoms accompanying the suppression of the menses, 
strongly indicating that pregnancy exists. A month or 



36 PREGNANCY. 

two after conception, the mammce (or breasts) enlarge, and 
often become the seat of slight pains and pricking sensa- 
tions ; the nipples also enlarge, become tumid and darker ; 
the areola, or ring around the nipples, spreads in circumfer- 
ence, and assumes a darker color, in brunettes becoming 
almost black. The little follicles, or pimples, also become 
more prominent and darker, and the veins more blue. 
These symptoms and changes, however, often occur from 
sympathy with a diseased womb. And some women state 
that they experience them before and during every men- 
struation. 

The presence of milk in the mammae is an additional 
sign, although old women and young girls have been found 
with milk in their breasts. 

Morning sickness — nausea or actual vomiting on rising 
from bed — is another rational sign. The term is misap- 
plied, however ; for the sickness may come on after every 
meal, or at any time during the day or night. Many are 
fortunate enough to escape this distressing symptom en- 
tirely 5 others are subject to it during the first two or three 
months and the last ; others are afflicted by it through the 
whole period, becoming thus much exhausted, and their life, 
in some instances, put in jeopardy. This symptom is so 
common, that it is sufficient, in some women, to pronounce 
pregnancy at its appearance. It generally lasts from six 
weeks to three months, when the patient experiences a 
great relief until the eighth month ; then it often re-appears. 

It is advanced, also, and it has been pretty thoroughly 
tested by accoucheurs, that a certain change in the urine 
of a pregnant woman takes place, which may add to the 
circumstantial evidences of pregnancy ; and that is, the 
presence of a mucilaginous principle called Kyestein. This 
may be detected in the following manner : take half a pint 
of the urine of a woman supposed to be pregnant, passed 
early in the morning, before breakfast ; put it in a glass 



SYMPTOMS. 37 

cylinder or a tumbler ; cover it with paper, and let it rest in 
a safe place : after two days, a dense pellicle of fat-like 
matter will_ found on its surface, which will increase for two 
or three days longer, and then evolve a powerful odor of 
putrefying cheese. 

For the sake of brevity, I will give here the recapitulation 
of the rational signs of pregnancy, according to Gazeaux. 

First and Second Months. 

Suppression of the menses (numerous exceptions). 
Nausea, vomiting. 

Slight flatness of the lower part of the abdomen. 
Depression of the umbilical ring. 

Swelling of the breasts, accompanied with sensations of 
pricking and tenderness. 

Third and Fourth Months. 

Suppression of the menses continued (a few exceptions). 

Frequently continuance of the nausea, and sometimes 
vomiting. 

Less depression of the umbilical ring. 

Augmented swelling of the breasts, prominence of the 
nipples, and slight discoloration in the areolae. 

Kyestein in the urine. 

Fifth and Sixth Months. 

Sensation of quickening, motion in the abdomen. 

Suppression of the menses continued (some rare excep- 
tions). 

Vomiting and nausea disappear (few exceptions). 

Considerable development of the whole sub-umbilical 
region. 

A convex, fluctuating, rounded abdominal protuberance, 
salient particularly in the middle line, and sometimes ex- 
hibiting the fetal inequalities. 



38 PREGNANCY. 

The umbilical depression is almost completely effaced. 
The discoloration in the areolae is deeper, tubercles ele- 
vated. 

Kyestein in the urine. 

Seventh and Eighth Month. 

Suppression of the menses continued (exceptions very- 
rare). 

Active movements of the foetus (child). 

Disorders of the stomach (rare). 

The abdomen more voluminous. 

Sometimes pouting of the umbilicus. 

Numerous discolorations on the skin of the abdomen. 

Sometimes a varicose and dropsical condition of the vulva 
and lower extremities. 

Extended and deeper discoloration of the areolae ; breasts 
still larger, and nipples more prominent ) sometimes flow of 
milk. 

Kyestein in the urine. 

First Fortnight of the Ninth Month. 

The vomiting frequently re-appears. 
The abdominal swelling has increased, rendering the skin 
very tense. 

Difficulty of respiration. 

All other symptoms increase in intensity. 

Sometimes pain in the back, and other irregular pains. 

last Fortnight of the Ninth Month. 

The vomiting often ceases. 

The abdomen is fallen. 

The respiration is easier. 

Great difficulty in walking. 

Frequent and ineffectual desire to urinate. 



QUICKENING. 39 

Hemorrhoids, augmentation of the varicose and dropsical 
state. 

Pains in the loins. 



QUICKENING. 

" Quickening " is the common term by which is generally 
meant the first cognizance that a mother takes of the child's 
moving. This first motion of the child must not, however, 
be understood to be the beginning of life, but simply the 
beginning of muscular action. The period in which it oc- 
curs varies ; but, in the majority of cases, it dates from the 
eighteenth week of utero-gestation. The child may be felt 
earlier or later, stronger or weaker, probably according to its 
constitutional strength and the room it has to move in. I 
have seen cases where the mother prognosticated a strong, 
large child, from her feelings ; while, to her great surprise, she 
gave birth to a small and puny infant. The great movement 
during pregnancy was due to an immense quantity of water 
in the sac, in which the child could float and move freely. 
Whenever the mother cannot give approximate data of con- 
ception, she may safely calculate the date of the end by 
adding four months and a half to the date of quicken- 
ing. These peculiar movements at first often induce sensa- 
tions of syncope, or fainting, which gradually disappear as 
the woman becomes accustomed to the cause. 

The sensation of quickening does not remove all doubt as 
to the existence of pregnancy. Some women have not only 
felt this, but have even thought of having seen the move- 
ments of the child through the abdominal walls, and yet 
were not pregnant. Again : women have been found preg- 
nant when they had not been conscious of any sensation of 
quickening. The movements of the child may be so slight 
as to be imperceptible to the mother. 



40 PREGNANCY, 



DUKATION OF PKEGNANCY. 

Two hundred and eighty days is the general average, 
which may be divided into ten lunar months, or nine calen- 
dar months and ten days. 

THE PROBABLE TIME OF DELIVERY, OR THE AGE OF THE CHILD IN 

THE WOMB. 

This has already been alluded to in discussing the pro- 
gressive signs. Pregnancy is generally dated from the last 
appearance of the menses. In this, however, physiologists 
have differed ; probably from the fact that many women 
have been disappointed by this calculation : and this question 
cannot be settled as long as it is impossible to exactly tell 
when conception takes place. 

The accepted theory is now, that an ovum descends into 
the womb immediately before or after every menstruation ; 
that it remains there eight or ten days, exposed to fecunda- 
tion i that, after this, it loses its vitality, and passes off, after 
which the female is not liable to conceive until the next 
operation of the ovaries. This theory has a great deal that 
is plausible, but has been found untenable in so many in- 
stances, that it is not to be relied on. An accoucheur of 
great renown and experience has given a hundred and 
fifty cases, in each of which he had noted the precise date 
of the last appearance of the menses. These cases, which 
will be found below, show the impossibility of making an 
exact calculation of the time of delivery from that date. 

Five women were delivered in from 252 to 259 days. 37th week 

Sixteen " " " " " 262 " 266 " 38th 
Twenty-one women were delivered in from 267 " 273 " 39th 

Forty-six " " " " " 274 " 280 " 40th 

Twenty-eight " 

Eighteen " 

Eleven " 

Five " 



" 281 " 287 " 41st 

" 288 " 294 " 42d 

" 295 " 301 " 43d 

" 303 " 306 " 44th 



ADVICE TO A PREGNANT WOMAN. 41 

It can be well understood, that if a woman conceives just 
before her menses are due, and the menses become sup- 
pressed in consequence, and nine months are counted from 
the time of the appearance of the last, the calculation will 
fall short four weeks ; thus giving the false impression that 
the woman has been pregnant ten months before giving 
birth to the child. 

ADVICE TO A WOMAN WITH CHILD. 

*y£ First of all, be hopeful. There is not one case in a hun- 
dred in which life is imperilled ; and there is no reason why 
you should be that one. Take your chances with the nine- 
ty-nine. Do not appeal to old women, or listen to their 
stories. If you have any apprehension, apply to your phy- 
sician, who will assist you in case of need. Be moderate in 
every thing : shun balls, heated rooms, crowds, and excite- 
ment. 

Avoid unpleasant sights, and do not listen to frightful 
stories : there are instances reported, which, although no 
physiologist can explain them, have created such an impres- 
sion upon the mind of a woman carrying child, as to cause 
her to give birth to an infant bearing marks of these impres- 
sions. Still, these instances are very rare. Dr. William 
Hunter of London, in two thousand cases of labor, was ac- 
customed to ask, as soon as the woman was delivered, 
whether she had been disappointed in any object of her 
longing, whether she had been surprised by any unusual 
shock; and, when answered in the affirmative, did not in 
one instance find the circumstances to coincide with marks 
on the child. Therefore, while I caution you against un- 
pleasant impressions, I would by no means arouse in your 
mind any tendency to dwell on the fear of such an event. 

Take daily exercise in the open air ; do not lace ; do not 
run; do not jump; do not drive unsafe horses; give up 



42 PREGNANCY. 

dancing and riding ; do not plunge into cold water. Many 
women in your condition will tell you they have done these 
things, and no harm befell them ; still, do none of them. 
Sponging your body will answer for cleanliness, and a happy 
heart for the dancing and riding. 

If you are weak, do not run for extolled tonics, for beer, 
or whiskey. Apply to your physician : he will discover the 
cause, and find the remedy. 

Do not take medicines (purgatives, in particular) on 
your own or your friends' advice : your physician is the only 
person capable to prescribe for you. I have known an ^in- 
nocent purgative " to be followed by frightful consequences. 

In your diet, use nothing that induces constipation. 

Remove from your chest, waist, and abdomen any article 
of clothing that exerts undue pressure. 

Avoid all practices that increase nervous irritability, 
such as an immoderate use of coffee or tea ; also, operations 
on the teeth. 

Do not indulge in inordinate or morbid appetites. A 
woman in pregnancy may have unusual aversions or long- 
ings. It will do no harm to avoid what is repugnant to 
you ; but it may be detrimental to your health to satisfy 
the longing for slate-pencil, chalk, or other deleterious sub- 
stances which sometimes women in your condition crave. 

But, above all, keep a cheerful mind ; do not yield to 
grief, jealousy, hatred, discontent, or any perversion of dis- 
position. It is true that your very condition makes you 
more sensitive and irritable; still, knowing this, control 
your feelings with all your moral strength. 

Your husband should be aware, also, that this unusual 
nervous irritability is a physical consequence of your con- 
dition, and would therefore be more indulgent and patient, 
unless he is a brute. 

If you believe that strong impressions upon the mother's 
mind may communicate themselves to the foetus, producing 



APPREHENSIONS OF DANGER. 43 

marks, deformity, etc., how much more you should believe 
that irritability, anger, repinings, spiritual disorders, may 
be impressed upon your child's moral and mental na- 
ture, rendering it weakly or nervous, passionate or morose, 
or in some sad way a reproduction of your own evil feelings ! 
And, indeed, this is more frequently found to be the case 
than is the physical marking of a child by its mother's im- 
pressions. 

FEARS OF DANGER IN BEARING CHILDREN. 

These* apprehensions, so common in pregnant women, are 
very seldom well founded. If a woman has no deformity of 
the spine or pelvis ; if the distance from hip to hip indicates 
no unusual narrowness ; if, as she stands, she sees that she is 
as well formed as the majority of women ; and if she knows 
of no objective reasons herself, — she should conclude, with- 
out any further thought, that she is perfectly able to bear 
children. A deformity which would disable a woman from 
bearing children would be of such magnitude as could 
hardly escape her notice. 

APPREHENSIONS OF DIFFICULT LABOR. 

Experience does not show that a woman's first labor is 
necessarily a difficult one. It often occurs that her first 
labor is an easy and short one ; while subsequent ones are 
more protracted and painful. It depends upon the condi- 
tion of the soft parts of the woman at that period, whether 
more or less relaxed ; and also upon the size of the child, 
which cannot be prognosticated. 

The size of woman is never a hindrance in labor : small 
women bear large children with comparative ease. 



MALADIES 

DURING PREGNANCY. 

The Creator never intended that pregnancy should be 
a source of disease ; but ignorance, false modesty, fashion, 
previously-acquired diseases of the womb, errors of regimen 
and diet, a weak constitution, bad training in girlhood, 
often lay the foundations of serious troubles during preg- 
nancy. 

These diseases I will discuss separately, and suggest the 
means to avoid and to alleviate them. At the head of 
them stand 

MENTAL DISORDERS. 

Such are, undefined fear of pending evil ; anxiety about 
the future, and fear of dying ; many forebodings and 
gloom, even to despair. 

These mental disturbances, although they may have no 
cause, are serious in the extreme. It is important to the 
mother's well-being, and to a happy termination of her la- 
bor, that these mental illusions should be conquered. Seri- 
ous consequences have been produced by an over-wrought 
imagination. This dark phantom that hangs over the 
reason of the already burdened patient should be chased 
away by gentle reasoning and moral suasion. 

Mothers, your. God is a God of love, and would not 
threaten with danger her who is the mother of mankind. 
A special reason exists why the Great Father should extend 
his protecting hand over a woman who bears a human being 
in her womb. Fear and despondency is not gratitude or 
thanksgiving to Him who willed it that to bear a child 

44 



MENTAL DISORDERS. 45 

should be a gift to woman, who can love and protect her off- 
spring with all the strength of her soul. In choosing Mary 
as the mother of his only-begotten Son, he did not surround 
her with impending dangers and with fear of death. Her 
heart beat with joy that she was to beget a child. Her 
prayers were thanksgivings for the great privilege. You 
are, as she was, a creature of your God. Away, then, with 
your gloomy thoughts ! Eejoice that you are one of the 
elect ! In a short time, a human being — flesh of your flesh, 
a creature of your God — will lie on your lap to ask from 
your lips the smile of a happy mother. 

To you, husbands, I say, .Reflect upon the manifold in- 
conveniences and annoyances your wife must labor under 
while pregnant. The love which you gave her before the 
altar of God — double it now. Think of the suffering you 
are spared, which she must undergo to give you the delight 
of paternity. In doubling your attentions, in anticipating 
her desires, in calming her fears, in soothing her irritations, 
you do only your duty, though it should also be your high- 
est pleasure. Do it cheerfully ; let your devotion spring 
from a manly heart, — from the heart of a true husband. 
What was a molehill to your wife before must be a moun- 
tain now. Smooth her rugged path ; shade her from the 
burning flame of mental agitation ; encourage her, inspire 
her with hope ; and when the time comes that she lies pros- 
trate, her face beaming with happiness at the sounds of her 
first-born, thank God that you have been kind to her. 

The hygiene in these cases is purely a moral one, and 
must be conducted by a careful and loving husband and 
affectionate relatives or friends. When forebodings 
and gloom pervade the mind of her who is to become a 
mother, reasoning may be in vain. In this case, her condi- 
tion should not be totally ignored lest offence be given ; but 
unknowingly to her, and apparently unaffected by her fears, 



46 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

simple means may be employed to throw her off the gloomy 
path of her thoughts. The wife's tastes and predilections 
when in health being known, there are a hundred things 
that can be done to attract her from her sorrow of self into 
innocent distractions and pleasures. This must be done 
without an effort or an apparent purpose, else the object may 
be defeated by making her aware that care and kindness is 
induced by solicitude. Bring home a good book, a favorite 
fruit, or a mutual friend with whom you may enter into an 
innocent conspiracy for her good. Invite her to take a 
walk ; and then do not rush her through an unfeeling crowd, 
but walk leisurely in a favorite place ; call her attention to 
objects of interest, and even to trifles, that may have amused 
her before. Have some congenial friends at home ; a game 
of whist, or any sort of innocent game, and moderate gayety ; 
a little surprise-party of dropping-in friends, — some genial, 
happy faces. If it be necessary, an innocent plot with your 
friends may be formed to get her out some evening to a 
social meeting, a lecture, a concert, a lively, pleasing drama. 
If the rooms or halls are too hot or crowded, you may show 
solicitude enough to take her home. Cheerful fireside, un- 
stinted sacrifices, loving sympathy, will rob the mind of 
many a dark shadow. Change of scene ; short, easy jour- 
neys to favorite cities or spots, is a source of pleasant and 
healthy excitement that will invigorate body and mind. Be 
never weary, and success and happiness will crown your 
noble efforts. 

MEDICAL TREATMENT. 

For a non-professional, it is difficult to nicely discriminate 
these symptoms, and I would therefore refer the patient to 
her physician. A few remedies may safely be tried, how- 
ever, in case distance or other causes should make him inac- 
cessible. The medicines are indicated, and, following them, 



MENTAL DISORDERS — TREATMENT. 47 

the symptoms of the child-bearing patient; for which experi- 
ence has shown them to be adapted. 

In order to a clear general understanding of the medi- 
cines, their influence, the modes of preparing (extract, so- 
lution, dilution, trituration, potency, etc.), the reader is re- 
ferred to the article on that subject at the end of the book. 

Cimicifuga. Great mental depression ; melancholy; fear 
of dying; doubts the affection of her beloved ones; sus- 
pects they turn against her ; wants to leave them ; wants to 
leave the home she has loved ; wants to be alone ; is jeal- 
ous, restless, and unreasonable ; is apprehensive of the end ; 
does not sleep well: when she sleeps, she is wakened by 
unpleasant dreams. 

One drop in a little fine sugar every two or three hours. 

Ignatia. Excessive desire to do things in haste ; 
great tendency to start; irritation upon the slightest con- 
tradiction; inconstancy; impatience; irresoluteness ; quar- 
relsomeness; intolerance of noise; taciturnity; brooding. 
The patient is sensitive and sad. 

Same as the above. 

Aconite. Lamenting apprehension of approaching death ; 
presentiments ; inconsolable anguish ; lamentations and re- 
proaches, from trifling causes; great anxiety, attended by 
palpitation of the heart; increased heat of body and face, 
and great weariness of the limbs. 

Same as the above. 

Hyosciamns. Jealousy; fear of being poisoned; talks 
a great deal ; vertigo ; dulness of feeling. 
Same as the above. 

Potency. From the 1st to the 3d decimal ; or from the 
12th to 30th centesimal. 



48 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 



DISORDERS OF THE STOMACH. 

In connection with this subject, I have already mentioned 
morning sickness as a concomitant symptom of pregnancy. 
It is probably the most reliable sign. Some women have 
only to feel the return of this discomfort to declare them- 
selves pregnant. Vomiting can, nevertheless, occur under 
different circumstances ; yet when the tongue is clean, and 
free from all appearances indicating disease of the abdomi- 
nal viscera, and the vomiting persistently and periodically 
returns on rising from bed ; before, after, or during meals, 
at certain hours of day or night, — physicians accept it as 
a conclusive evidence of pregnancy. 

It may appear immediately after conception ; but it more 
frequently commences after the second or third week. It 
may continue for three or four months, — generally not be- 
yond the third, — and sometimes it will not cease until 
quickening. It may continue irrepressibly through the 
whole period; but, generally, it only re-appears after the 
eighth month, and ceases when the enlargement descends in 
the abdomen, two weeks previous to confinement. 

The frequency and intensity of the vomiting varies in 
different subjects, and often in the same. A woman may 
vomit only in the morning, before eating, — a sort of viscid, 
glassy mucus, which may be accompanied by some green 
bile, particularly if the straining is severe. Some vomit 
after eating, and then easily emit the ingesta. It happens, 
also, that vomiting is induced after a few mouthfuls of food ; 
and the patient is able to return aud finish her repast with- 
out inconvenience. There are distressing cases in which 
even the smell of food provokes vomiting. Again, the pa- 
tient has nausea, and makes all the efforts of vomiting with- 
out being able to do so. In cases where the straining is 
very severe, the shock may be communicated to the lower 



CAUSES. 49 

part of the abdomen, causing distressing pain, which, how- 
ever, gradually wears away in a few hours. 

Physiologists and pathologists have endeavored to explain 
this phenomenon, but without success. There is no doubt 
that it is connected with the changes of the womb ; for we 
often see vomiting in patients affected by a diseased womb, 
and there are many who vomit during the first days of every 
menstruation. They have endeavored, also, to trace these 
obscure sympathies ; but never have been able to go beyond 
the fair supposition that the sympathy exists. Some pa- 
thologists — like Bennet — insist that the nausea is always 
connected with a diseased condition of the womb ; but this 
is not often true, because thousands of women who vomit 
during pregnancy are without any disease whatsoever. 

In the first months of pregnancy, the process of distend- 
ing the rigid fibres of the uterus may cause a sympathetic 
action of the stomach ; and this may account for the cessa- 
tion, when, after a few weeks, the womb, adapting itself to 
the new process, becomes more elastic, and the dilatation 
easier. This would explain, also, cases of continued vomit- 
ing, where the womb may be unyielding, and the rigidity 
constant ; and the inference would be, that, in cases where 
dilatation is easy from the beginning, there would be no 
vomiting at all. 

During the later months, we may account for it by the 
fact that the swollen womb interferes with the locality of 
the stomach, pressing it upward. We know how easily we 
can be made sick by a slight pressure on the stomach. This 
would account for the relief obtained during the last two 
weeks, when the womb descends in the basin, preparatory 
to the expulsion of the foetus, and yields the needed room 
to the stomach. 

Nervous susceptibility may be greater in some than 

others. Constitutional disturbances, a reckless disregard of 

the laws of digestion, indulgence in obnoxious articles of 
4 



50 MALADIES DURING PKEGNANCY. 

food, devotion to the baneful fashion of small waists, may 
greatly aggravate this distressing symptom. 

The theory that the process of expansion is the cause of 
vomiting is the most reasonable to my mind : and the ob- 
jections of Gazeaux, because some women have been afflict- 
ed by vomiting more during a second pregnancy than during 
a first one, are not sufficient to overcome its probability ; 
since the rigidity of the womb may be different at different 
times, and vary according to constitutional or functional ab- 
normalities during the period of non-pregnancy. In at- 
tempting to expand the mouth of the womb in dysmenor- 
rhoea, I have been often arrested by the complaint that the 
operation produced nausea. 

Even the periodicity of the vomiting is not sufficient 
reason to overcome these premises ; for the womb is the or- 
gan of periodicity par excellence. Does not the womb give 
periodical pain during labor ? Why is not its contraction 
continuous and final ? If its contractions for the expulsion 
of the foetus are periodical, why should not its dilatations 
in accommodating itself for its abode and growth be the 
same ? The process of labor gives other evidence in favor 
of this theory. While the contractions of the fundus of 
the uterus, and the dilatation of its mouth, are going on to 
expel the fcetus, the patient often vomits freely. Again : a 
patient may increase her contracting pains by walking, by 
drinking a glass of water or a cup of tea. Thus we can 
appreciate this mutual reflex action of the stomach upon the 
womb, and, vice versa, the womb upon the stomach ; a sym- 
pathy that may be excited from either end. 

Irrepressible and long-continued vomiting, however, must 
be connected with some disorganization, maintaining a con- 
stant irritability of the womb ; such as ulcerations, displace- 
ments, or congestion : or it may be due to an excessive sen- 
sibility of the nervous system. This vomiting may be very 
severe and intractable, particularly when no cause can be 



MORNING SICKNESS. 51 

ascertained. Premature labor has often been induced on 
the plea that the life of the patient is in danger; but this 
high-handed measure is sometimes distrusted by the fact 
that the most irrepressible vomiting has suddenly ceased 
without medical or surgical interference. A shock from 
sudden joy or fear, it has been recorded, has stopped the 
vomiting, never to re-appear. This would lead us to suppose, 
that, in those instances, it was a nervous disturbance sud- 
denly changed by stronger impressions. 

In irrepressible vomiting, however, the womb should be 
examined, and, if found diseased, proper medical or surgical 
treatment should be applied. 

Simple vomiting may be borne with comparative comfort 
and patience : it will produce no disastrous effects on the 
patient, — nay, in some cases, it seems only to deplete the 
system, which is a natural treatment in plethora, against 
which we have no gainsay. Vomiting that requires medi- 
cal treatment is rare; still, when a constant vomiting inter- 
feres with the functions of the stomach, and wears away 
the patient, medical assistance is absolutely required. 

The apprehension that excessive vomiting may affect the 
well-being of the child in utero must be done away with ; 
for there is not one instance recorded where it is proven that 
the child has thus been affected. God, in his loving and 
mysterious way, has taken care that the germ of mankind 
should be well protected. 

REGIMEN. 

A cheerful mind ; avoidance of mental excitement (pas- 
sion, anger, fear, &c.) ; exercise in the open air without 
fatigue ; early hours to rest, and early rising. When the 
sickness overtakes you on rising from bed, try taking break- 
fast before rising. A few mouthfuls of pulverized ice, swal- 
lowed quickly, often relieve nausea. In distressing vomit- 
ing, ice applied to the pit of the stomach has given relief, 



52 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

although it is a hazardous remedy. Champagne, in many 
instances, has relieved vomiting very promptly : I have pre- 
scribed it with success for nausea of jaundice and cholerine. 
A change of the usual hours of eating, the use of lemon- 
ade, Vichy-water, or a few teaspoonfuls of sherry-wine, 
brandy, ether, peppermint-water, or a watery solution of 
Calomba-root, have relieved cases. 

Dr. Simpson recommends highly the Salt of Cerium. His 
favorite prescription is, forty grains of oxalate of cerium, 
three times a day. 



DERANGEMENT OF APPETITE (Apyrexia). 

The same sympathetic relation existing between the 
uterus and the stomach, which causes vomiting, will cause 
want of appetite, water-brash, acidity, indigestion, aversion 
to food, flatulence, and that capricious appetite for chalk, 
slate, dirt, and many things too absurd to mention. The 
appetite may also become excessive, indeed, voracious : in 
this latter instance, however, it indicates a diseased condi- 
tion of the stomach. This appetite has sometimes been 
satisfied to an alarming extent on the vulgar supposition 
that, as the child derives nourishment from the mother, the 
mother should eat a great quantity to supply both. This 
error may cause serious trouble in women who have a strong 
tendency to plethora. It may give origin to dizziness, ful- 
ness, pressure in the head, indigestion, flatulence, spasms, 
piles. It increases the quantity of blood, overcharging the 
veins, which become fuller, causing swelling of the feet and 
limbs. 

A good appetite should be satisfied ; but a voracious one 
should be allayed by light food, taken often, in not very 
large quantities, and treated medically. 

I have already mentioned appetites for unusual or obnox- 



DERANGEMENT OF APPETITE. 53 

ions articles. As moral persuasion is almost always useless 
in these cases, care should be taken that the indulgence al- 
lowed may not seriously interfere with digestion and health. 
The importance that people attach to these longings is un- 
founded, and should not be gratified to any great extent. 

It is true, that, in many cases where the stomach craves 
unwholsesome articles, they have been taken with im- 
punity : still, prudence is a shield against accidents. 

In loss of appetite, it is useless to force the patient to 
eat ; then the most nourishing food should be concentrated 
in small quantities ; such as beef-tea, calf Vfoot jellies, eggs, 
cream, &c. A little wine may be useful ; but medicated 
tonics should not be taken without the advice of the physi- 
cian. Keep in the open air 5 take gentle exercise, walk- 
ing particularly. 

For water-brash : Vichy-water ; one teaspoonful of char- 
coal ; three or four grains of bismuth ; but, particularly, 
water acidulated with a drop or two of nitric or sulphuric 
acid, or with the juice of lemon, have been found very use- 
ful. 

Diet. "The diet should consist of wholesome articles, 
such as beef, mutton, lamb, fowl, game, &c. (either roasted 
or boiled, in preference to broiled and baked) ; and all salted, 
spiced, or smoked aliment ought to be taken sparingly, or 
not at all, if the stomach is delicate, as they generally de- 
range it. The flesh of young animals — as veal, lamb, 
chicken, and certain kinds of fish — is less nutritious than 
the other articles mentioned, and is therefore considered 
lighter. Tatty food — as pork, duck, eel, butter, oil, &c. — 
generally disagrees with nervous, bilious, or dyspeptic per- 
sons, and those who suffer from indigestion, flatulency, and 
lowness of spirits, especially during pregnancy, when there al- 
ready is more or less tendency to nausea and vomiting. Fari- 
naceous food — such as bread, rice, potato, beans, peas, sago, 



54 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

arrowroot, tapioca, and salep — is highly nutritious, though 
it may in some cases induce heartburn, flatulency, and in- 
digestion. Mucilaginous aliments — as carrots, turnips, 
parsnips, cabbages, and asparagus — ought to be taken but 
sparingly by pregnant women, and those who suckle their 
infants ; and then a little pepper should be used with them. 
Sweet food — as sugar, molasses, candies, dates, fruits, &c. 
— should be used in moderation. : Finally, — as the stomach 
is irritable and delicate in most pregnant women during the 
first months, — it is highly necessary that their food should 
be both cut small, and then well masticated, to render it 
more fitted, and more easily acted upon by the stomach ; and 
drink, too, should be used sparingly while eating ; for, if the 
gastric juice be too much diluted, it cannot act upon the 
food in an efficient manner." — My an. 

And, above all, I recommend that no ices should be taken 
on full stomach, as heat acts a very important part in diges- 
tion. Coffee and tea should be used moderately. 

TREATMENT. 

Ipecacuanha. Nausea and effort to vomit ; aversion to 
food. Vomiting of the ingesta, and of a large quantity of 
mucus. 

Kux Vomica. Sour taste in the mouth. Milk seems to 
sour upon the stomach. Putrid or bitter taste in the mouth 
early in the morning. Constant want of appetite. Hun- 
ger ; nevertheless, aversion to food. After a meal, sick feel- 
ing, and as if the stomach was overloaded. Pressure at the 
stomach. Hiccough. Frequent eructations. Bitter or 
sour eructations. Heartburn. Nausea early in the morn- 
ing. Nausea at a meal. Vomiting of sour-smelling mucus. 
Constipation. Adapted particularly to nervous bilious tem- 
peraments, — brunettes. 



DERANGEMENT OF APPETITE. 55 

Tabacum. Nausea, accompanied by fainting and deadly 
paleness. 

Cuprum. Vomiting, attended with cramps. 

Camphor. Vomiting, attended with cold perspiration. 

Arsenicum. Vomiting after eating and drinking, accom- 
panied by great thirst and weakness. 

Pulsatilla. For blondes, and those of lymphatic tempera- 
ment. Loss of appetite. Taste as of putrid meat in the 
mouth, with inclination to vomit. Bitter taste. Nausea, 
induced by eating fat. Eructations, tasting of the ingesta. 
Sour, bitter, bilious eructations. Repulsion to food, fat 
particularly. 

Hydrocyanic Acid. Irrepressible vomiting. Four drops 
of the diluted preparation of the United-States Pharma- 
copeia in an ounce of water ; one teaspoonful, when nause- 
ated, every two or three hours. 

Mercurius is particularly indicated when vomiting, loss 
of appetite, or desire for acids, with yellowish-coated tongue, 
is aggravated by a state of biliousness. 

Dose and Administration. As a general thing, the 1st 
decimal preparations are preferable ; but many distinguished 
homoeopaths prefer high potencies, from the 12th to the 30th 
centesimal. 

Camphor is more effective in drop doses of the tincture. 
Of the other remedies, five drops in a tumbler half full of 
water; one teaspoonful of which, before the vomiting gen- 
erally occurs, or before meals, should be taken. For other 



56 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

disorders of the stomach, the medicine should be taken two 
or three times a day, before meals, or during the occurrence 
of the symptoms. 

Of the medicines prepared in powders, one or two grains, 
or as much as the size of a common pea, is a dose. Of the 
pellets, from five to eight. 

Calomfoa has been used by allopaths as a sort of specific 
in morning sickness, but in fifteen to twenty grains per 
dose, before meals. 

Creasote is highly extolled, particularly by the allopathic 
physicians. Five drops of the tincture in a tumbler half 
full of water ; one teaspoonful every hour or two. It has 
been successfully taken in one-drop doses, on a little lump 
of sugar. 

Sulphuric and Mtric Acids have been mentioned ; so has 
citric acid, or lemonade, for acidity of the stomach. Even 
allopathic physicians have made the discovery that acids, 
and particularly vegetable acids, are more successful in cur- 
ing acidity than alkalies, and think it strange. 

Desires in particular. 

For food and acid drinks . Arsenicum . . . (Pulte.) 

" beer tfux Vomica . . . 

" spirituous liquors . . Arsenicum or Nux . 

" chalk and lime, or earth, Nitric Acid or Nux . 

" coal Cicuta 

" cold drinks Mercurius or Arsenicum 

« cold food Yeratrum . . . . 

u dainties China 

" milk Mercurius . . . 

" pickles Hepar 

" sugar Kali C 



CONSTIPATION. 57 

A Belladonna Plaster over the region of the womb often 
assists in relieving nausea. ■ It should be taken off as soon 
as there appears an undue dilatation of the pupil of the eye. 



CONSTIPATION 

is a disorder that often accompanies pregnancy, and may be 
the source of many troublesome symptoms, and, in aggra- 
vated cases, a cause of dangerous irritation to the impregnated 
womb. Women who were never of costive habit before 
may become so now ; and women who were subject to it be- 
fore may become so much worse now as to be unable to 
have a healthful evacuation without the interference of some 
mechanical or medicinal means. This may be due, partly 
to the increased action of the womb, drawing, as it were, 
blood and nervous force from neighboring organs ; partly to 
the mechanical pressure which the womb, in its enlarged 
condition, exerts upon the rectum ; and, also, to the indo- 
lence which a woman in a state of pregnancy may indulge 
in, or to a deficiency of bile, which, in cases of hard vomit- 
ing, is pressed into and ejected from the stomach. 

Whatever may be the cause, and whatever may have been 
her habits before, a pregnant woman should now pay partic- 
ular attention that masses of faeces should not accumulate in 
her bowels. Piles would be almost a necessary consequence 
from pressure on the hemorrhoidal veins. Bearing-down 
pains, pains in the back, flatulence, colic, displacement of 
the womb, swelling of the veins of the legs (increasing the 
tendency to dropsy of the feet), headache, giddiness, sleep- 
lessness, may follow. In women who easily miscarry, the 
undue pressure on the womb will increase the liability ; and, 
during labor, fecal masses may expand the descending in- 
testines and the rectum, so as to obstruct the exit of the 
child, or be expelled, during labor, by the powerful pressure 



58 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

of the descending womb, to the great annoyance of the pa- 
tient and attendants. A disregard of this costive condition 
has placed ladies in the most unpleasant and awkward pre- 
dicaments, as well as in real danger. It has sometimes 
been known to produce inflammation of the bowels, so fatal 
in the puerperal period. 

TREATMENT. 

Appropriate diet, and regular exercise in the open air, is 
most important. To women thus affected, I would recom- 
mend especially not to eat chalk, or take magnesia as a 
laxative ; for both have been known to become hardened, or 
have hardened some of the faeces, so that it became impossi- 
ble to evacuate them without powerful drastics or mechani- 
cal means, to the great distress and danger of the patient. 

The diet should not be of dry food : vegetable diet is 
preferable. The use of fruits, such as prunes, figs, roasted 
apples, oranges, &c, is beneficial, except in those cases 
where they produce flatulence. Brown bread, oat-meal 
porridge, and the use of olive-oil, in substance or as a con- 
diment, are sometimes sufficient. A tumblerful of water 
before going to bed, or an orange before breakfast, has also 
produced good results. 

For unusual constipation, produced by inactivity of the 
liver, or unaffected by gentle means, apply to your physician. 

Beware of cathartics ! While some are simple enough, 
others, such as aloes, caulophyllin, podophyllin, turpentine, 
and other irritating drastics, have caused abortion. Do not 
take a cathartic without the advice of a physician. 

MEDICAL TREATMENT. 

This is a stumbling-block even to homoeopathy ; for while 
the system of allopathy, with its cathartics, can cause almost 
immediate action of the bowels, but cannot cure constipa- 
tion, homoeopathy, on the contrary, can cure habitual consti- 



CONSTIPATION. 59 

pation, but cannot produce an immediate action of the 
bowels. Homoeopathic physicians and patients, however, 
should not hesitate, in a case where the accumulation of 
faeces must be removed, to use the agents that will do it. 
They need not fear that, by so doing, they prove inconsist- 
ent with their accepted law of cure ; because, in such a case, 
they pretend to make no cure, but simply to remove mechan- 
ical obstructions by mechanical means, if I may so call 
them. In cases where a thorough evacuation of the bowels 
becomes imperative, an injection of tepid water and soapsuds 
may be taken. If that is not sufficient, ten grains of 
Fel-JBovinum (ox-gall), dissolved in half a pint of water, 
and given as an injection, will remove large quantities of im- 
pacted hard faeces. 

If the faeces have been allowed to accumulate in obstruct- 
ing masses in the colon, or lower intestine, a tablespoonful 
of castor-oil will remove the difficulty. Then homoeopathic 
treatment may be applied as a preventive of the occurrence. 

Nux Vomica, Sulphur, Opium, Platina, Lycopodium, Alu- 
mina, &c, high and low potencies, have cured thousands of 
cases of constipation. 

Kux Vomica is indicated in constipation from sedentary 
habits, abuse of coffee or liquors, and when the following 
symptoms are present : constipation as if from inactivity of 
the bowels, ineffectual urging to stool, difficult passage of 
large, hard faeces, colic, succeeded by discharge of dark-colored 
mucus, causing a smarting burning in the anal region ; pain- 
ful spasmodic stricture of the anus, with or without hemor- 
rhoids ( bloody piles) ; flatulence, and distention of the 
abdomen. 

In chronic constipation, it may be alternated with Sulphur, 
morning and evening, in high potencies, say the 12th or 
30th. 



60 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

In acute cases, three drops of the tincture of Nux Vomica 
should be mixed in a tumbler half full of water, and one 
teaspoonful of it taken before each meal, and before retiring. 

Opium* Frequent constipation of strong plethoric persons ; 
retention of stool and urine ; constipation, as if from paraly- 
sis of the intestines ; costiveness for weeks, sometimes alter- 
nated with liquid, frothy stools. 

Six globules of the 3d or the 30th, morning and evening. , 

Platina. Constipation, with straining and itching at the 
anus ; shuddering over the whole body after every evacua- 
tion, accompanied by feeling of weakness in the abdomen, 
with contraction, bearing down, oppression at the stomach, 
— Herring. 

Six globules of the 30th, morning and evening. 

Lycopodium. Chronic constipation, for persons of bilious 
temperament, subject to indigestion and torpidity of the 
abdominal organs, and ulso for constipation arising from 
sedentary habits. 

Two grains of the 1st decimal, before each meal. 

Alumina. Constipation of long duration, causing colic, 
flatulence, vomiting ; evacuations of hard stools with bear- 
ing-down and tenesmus, causing itching and burning at the 
anus. 

Six globules of the 30th before meals. 

Collilisonia. Constipation attended particularly with piles, 
flatulence, sluggish stool, distention of the abdomen, heat 
and itching at the anus. 

Two grains of the 2d decimal trituration, three or four 
times a day. 



DIABBHCEA . — TREA TMENT. 61 



DIAKRHCEA. 

This is often the sequence of constipation. The hardened 
feces, that have for a long time obstructed the proper action 
of the intestines, finally cause an irritation of the mucous 
membrane, that produces a watery diarrhoea, even without 
unloading the bowels. Nervous irritation, induced by preg- 
nancy, is also often a cause, as well as colds, defect in dress, 
and improper diet. In severe cases, the diarrhoea is induced 
by ulceration of the mucous membrane, caused by previous 
fecal accumulations, in which case the patient suffers from 
pain (a sensation of internal burning), the pulse quick- 
ens, the tongue becomes dry, the skin hot, and the appetite 
is lost. Thirst and emaciation, followed by vomiting, may 
supervene, placing the patient in a very precarious condi- 
tion. 

In cases where the diarrhoea is alternated by passages of 
hard, lumpy stools, indicating a mechanical irritation above 
by indurated faeces, a teaspoonful of castor-oil may be suf- 
ficient to remove the cause and the disease. 

The diet should be the reverse of that recommended for 
constipation. Avoid acid fruits and coarse food and vege- 
tables 5 live principally on rare meats, beef-tea, rice, arrow- 
root, tapioca, &c. 

TREATMENT. 

Mercurius Solubilis, or Yivus. In bilious diarrhoea attend- 
ed by yellowish-coated tongue, bitter taste in the mouth, 
green or whitish passages. 

Two grains of the 3d trituration, every tivo or three hours. 

Collinsonia is used, as in constipation, particularly in 
cases of alternated diarrhoea and constipation attended 
with piles. 



62 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

China. When the loose passages contain undigested food, 
and take place soon after meals, or at night. Weak diges- 
tion. 

Six globules of the 3d, before eacli meal. 

Arsenicum. For watery diarrhoea, attended with thirst. 
Six globules of the 3d or 30th, after every evacuation. 

Phosphoric Acid. Chronic diarrhoea, attended by painless 
and half-liquid passages ; occasioned by general weakness, 
followed by emaciation. 

One drop of the 1st dilution, after every evacuation. 

Pulsatilla. Diarrhoea caused by fat meats or gravies. 
The stools are slimy, greenish, and watery ; they may be 
preceded by colicky pains. The patient experiences shiver- 
ing, and the evacuations occur principally at night. 

Six globules 3d, every three hours. 

Dulcamara. When the diarrhoea has been caused by a 
cold. The discharges are greenish or yellowish : they smell 
acid, and occur principally in the evening. 

As Pulsatilla. 

FLATULENCE, COLIC. 

I place these in the same paragraph, because the former 
is, in a great majority of cases, the cause of the latter. 
They have both been mentioned in connection with consti- 
pation. 

Vv r ind-colic, as it is vulgarly termed, can be excess- 
ively troublesome and distressing. I have known a case 
where it would awaken the patient regularly, between eleven 
and twelve o'clock at night, and put her, in ten or fifteen 
minutes, into such distress, that she would throw herself 
about in perfect agony, from the distention of the abdomen, 



FLATULENCE. — PILES. 63 

and a pressure upon her lungs so that she could hardly 
breathe. On one occasion, it threw her into a violent con- 
vulsion in fifteen minutes from her awakening. 

Weak digestion and constipation give rise to this malady. 
(See paragraph on "Constipation.") 

The diet should be of the most digestible kind, and food 
well masticated. Acid fruits and vegetables are apt to pro- 
duce or increase it, particularly uncooked apples, cab- 
bages, onions, beans, &c. Eat moderately, rather often and 
little at a time, than a full meal rarely. Eat nothing for 
three or four hours before going to bed. 

Domestic medicines — such as peppermint, ginger, aniseed 
— are often useful in assisting to expel the gas. Sometimes 
a tumblerful of warm water, taken internally, has caused 
an easy vomiting, and with it the emission of an incredible 
quantity of wind. When the wind seems lower in the ab- 
domen, or rolling about, an injection of warm water has 
caused a slight movement of the bowels, which afforded a 
chance for the gas to escape. 

For diet and medical treatment, see paragraph on " Con- 
stipation." 

HEMORRHOIDS, OR PILES. 

This is a very common disease, attending pregnant wo- 
men, and, in fact, all people of sedentary and constipated 
habits. It has been already alluded to in the paragraph on 
" Constipation." 

Piles are an enlargement of the hemorrhoidal veins of 
the rectum, constituting small tumors from the size of a pea 
to the size of a walnut. When the tumors are within the 
rectum, they are called bleeding or internal piles, which are 
the origin, sometimes, of profuse hemorrhage. Those with- 
out go by the name of external or blind piles, because they 
seldom bleed. 



64 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

They are caused by pressure of the womb, or by disten- 
tion of costive bowels, upon the veins of the rectum ; pre- 
venting the return of the blood. The veins become vari- 
cose, and finally distend into separate and distinct tumors. 
These may be numerous, and may surround the whole cir- 
cumference of the anus ; closing it, and causing great pain 
and distress at each evacuation. 

The bleeding or internal piles sometimes discharge blood 
at regular periodic intervals ; again, they bleed so profuse- 
ly as to prostrate the patient. These hemorrhages may be 
preceded by a sensation of weight and pain at the small of 
the back and loins, stinging and burning, swelling and ful- 
ness, with throbbing in the rectum. 

When the piles protrude, they may become strangulated, 
causing severe suffering. In such cases, they must be re- 
turned as soon as possible, which can easily be done by tak- 
ing them within four fingers united in a cone, and gently 
and gradually squeezing, and pressing them within. Then 
the patient should lie down, and endeavor to retain them. A 
pad of cotton cloth dipped in cold water, or even containing 
a small piece of ice, should be kept at the rectum. If the 
bowels are constipated, they should be moved by repeated 
enemas of warm water. In fact, the patient should not al- 
low herself to have a costive movement at all. If there is 
much irritation and pain, it may be allayed by the applica- 
tion of a poultice of slippery-elm or marsh-mallow. 

Daily enemas of cold water will cause contraction of the 
hemorrhoidal veins, and prevent the return of the piles. 
Walking or standing will aggravate them. The sitting on 
cane-bottomed chairs is beneficial; while the warmth of 
stuffed seats increases the liability to these troubles. 

When the case is bad, it should be attended by a skilful 
physician. 

The diet and regimen for Constipation holds good in Piles. 



PILES. 65 

TREATMENT. 

Nux and Sulphur alternately have been extolled for their 
efficacy in curing piles. 

Ilamamelis. Drop-doses, in a teaspoonful of water, should 
be given every fifteen or twenty minutes when the piles 
bleed profusely : when they bleed only a little, and at cer- 
tain periods, the same dose may be taken every two or three 
hours. — Dr. H. Okie. 

Aloes (2d trituration). Two grains every two or three 
hours will relieve piles with a constant bearing down, and 
when they hang out of the rectum with or without bleeding. 

There are many other excellent remedies which cannot 
be mentioned in a volume like this, which is intended only 
for ordinary domestic guidance, and warning against the 
neglect of important symptoms. It is the province of the 
medical attendant to make the selection of appropriate 
remedies in complicated cases. Let it be remembered, how- 
ever, that, as soon as a pile shows itself, it should be gently 
pressed into the rectum- and retained ; which maybe done by 
simply keeping in a reclined position, with applications of 
cold water. 

" iEsculus Hippocastaneum, in drop-doses of the tincture, 
may be tried by the non-professional. This is the horse- 
chestnut, — so much valued by some, that they actually carry 
it in their pocket as a preventive. Many people affirm that 
they never suffer from piles as long as they carry a horse- 
chestnut about them." — Dr. Edwin M. Hale. 

This is a homoeopathic dose with a vengeance. 
5 



66 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 



SALIVATION (Pytalism). 

This symptom occasionally takes the place of the morning 
sickness. It sometimes appears almost at the commence- 
ment of pregnancy, and before the time for the expected 
menses to appear, previous to the fact of their suppression be- 
ing known. If, following the suppression of the menses, 
the patient, in the morning, finds her mouth and throat filled 
with a tenacious mucus, or saliva, which, in being expelled, 
assumes a round shape (what in some countries they call 
" spitting English shillings" or "cotton"), she may rest 
assured that pregnancy exists. — Tracy. 

TREATMENT. 

Hercurius and Iodine are the most homoeopathic remedies 
to this disease. 

Six globules of the 30th dilution, three times a day. 
Take Merc, for three days ; if not relieved, take Iodine. 

Holding candied sugar or a little gum arabic constantly in 
the mouth will render it less distressing. — Desormeaux. 

TOOTHACHE. 

Of all neuralgias, toothache is the most common among 
pregnant women. It generally affects the lower jaw ; some- 
times on one side, sometimes on both. It commences dur- 
ing the first months of pregnancy, ceasing about the fourth 
or fifth month. 

If a tooth is diseased from partial decay, or exposure of 
the nerve from a cavity, a dentist should be consulted. 
Persons of nervous sensibility, or addicted to miscarriage, 
should not have teeth extracted during pregnancy ; for the 
apprehension of pain, and the shock received in the extrac- 
tion, have sometimes caused abortion. 



TOOTHACHE. 67 

TREATMENT. 

When toothache has been brought about by exposure to 
cold or wet, and it is accompanied by throbbing, which ex- 
tends to the gum and the cheek, attended with some fever, 
Aconite should be taken. 

Four drops of the tincture in twelve teaspoonfuls of water, 
one teaspoonful every hour. 

Belladonna* In congestive and inflammatory toothaches, 
both in sound and decayed teeth, attended with great irrita- 
bility of the nervous system, and pain of a rending, digging, 
and piercing character. 

Four drops of 3d dilution to twelve teaspoonfuls of wa- 
ter, one teaspoonful every hour. 

Mercurius sol. Is probably the most efficacious remedy 
in toothache, from a cold, and from no apparent cause. High 
dilutions have also proved successful. 

One grain of the 2d, 3d, or 30th trituration every two 
hours. 

Creasote. One drop of the oil, mixed in a bread-pill, may 
be applied to a cavity of a decayed tooth with benefit. 

Pulsatilla • In females of lymphatic temperament with 
toothache, attended with chilliness, paleness of the face, con- 
gestion and pain in the head, suppression of the menses, 
menstrual cramps in the abdomen, aggravated by the 
warmth of the bed, in a warm room, or by warm food. 



Nux Vomica. Nervous, bilious temperament ; toothache 
aggravated in the morning by exposure to cold air, by cold 
drinks or food, by mental excitement or exercise. 

Sepia is excellent in removing pain in the teeth of preg- 
nant women, and in non-pregnant ones troubled with sup- 



68 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

pression of the menses, accompanied by heat in the head, 
pain in the back, and affected by yellowish spots over the 
face, arms, or body. 

Six globules of the 3d, every two or three hours, will be 
found to answer in the last three remedies. 



LIVER-SPOTS. 

Very often in pregnancy, and particularly in brunettes, 
brown, dingy stains appear on the cheeks and forehead, which 
greatly disfigure and annoy the patient. They are called 
liver-spots, on the supposition that they depend upon cer- 
tain abnormalities of that organ ; which is very doubtful, as 
we know them to appear about the body of persons who 
seem in a perfect state of health. This is rather an intracta- 
ble disease. 

TREATMENT. 

Sepia seems to be the most efficient remedy. Sulphur, 
Lycopodium, and Arsenicum may be tried, one after another. 

Six globules of the 12th Sepia, Sulphur, or Arsenicum, 
three times a day, each, for ttuo iveeks, should be taken be- 
fore changing. Lycopodium, one grain of the 2d or 3d 
trituration, three times a day. 



JAUNDICE. 

This may occur, during the early months of pregnancy, 
from sympathy, and, during the latter months, from pressure 
of the womb obstructing the bile-duct : it may be caused 
also by a cold, congestion of the liver, or from mental emo- 
tions ; such as chagrin. 

Jaundice will produce constant nausea and malaise at 
the stomach, even when pregnancy does not exist : of course, 
it aggravates these symptoms when it does exist. The skin, 



J A UN DICE. — ITCHING. 69 

particularly of the temples, assumes a greenish-yellow hue, 
which is also quite perceptible in the white of the eye. 
This yellowness varies in degree from a hardly perceptible 
tinge to a perfect lemon color. 

The faeces become of a light clayish color ; and the urine 
becomes very dark, — dark enough, sometimes, to frighten 
the patient. 

TREATMENT. 

To allay the nausea and malaise at the stomach, there 
is nothing better than Champagne, taken in small draughts, 
several times a day. 

Mercurius, sol. Two-grain doses of the 3d should he 
taken three or four times a day, until the faeces begin to as- 
sume the natural brown color. 

Podophyllin should be taken in the same way, by patients 
who would object to Mercurius, or upon whom Mercurius 
fails. 

If there is any complication, apply to your physician. 



ITCHING (Pruritus). 

This is often very distressing and very troublesome, not 
only to pregnant females, but to persons of all ages. It 
may be so severe as to deprive the sufferer of any sleep or 
rest. Sometimes it occurs without any appreciable cause ; 
again, it is induced by the want of proper cleanliness, 
may affect any part of the body ; but, when it affects the 
private parts, it is perfectly intolerable. In pregnancy, it 
may be owing to some discharges from the vagina of an 
acrid nature : in this case, a daily washing of the vagina, 
even two and three times a day, with castile soap and water, 
is absolutely necessary. If that is not sufficient, a wash of 



or \ 

a I 

be 

it \ 



70 MALADIES DURING PKEGNANCY. 

Borax, or an injection of Ammoniated Water (two teaspoon- 
fuls of the aromatic spirit of ammonia in a tumblerful of 
water), may prove so. 

These remedies may also be applied to any other part of 
the body. Benzoic acid, ten to twenty grains to half a pint 
of water, as an application, is also very efficient. 

If the whole body feels itchy, an alkaline bath should be 
taken (five ounces of Carbonate of Potash in the entire 
bath). 

Internally, Dr. Pulte considers Conium the most effica- 
cious remedy. He advises to try this remedy before recur- 
ring to any other treatment. 

Dr. Moffat, in twenty years' practice, has never needed 
any thing but Creasote for this trouble, internally taken. 

COUGH. 

Although cough may occur during the earlier or latter 
months of pregnancy, it is often suspended when it exists 
from affections of the lungs. In fact, the progress of con- 
sumption is often suspended during the whole period of 
pregnancy, and sometimes during lactation, although, I am 
sorry to say, it is generally re-assumed when those processes 
have terminated. 

The symptomatic cough of pregnancy, however, is a ner- 
vous cough, unless induced by a fresh cold, and is spasmodic 
in its nature ; thus causing short and teasing paroxysms, dis- 
tressing to the patient. 

TREATMENT. 

Such paroxysms may be cut short by holding a piece of 
sugar, a gum-drop, or a clove in the mouth : the latter 
sometimes acts like a charm. 

Conium. Six globules of the 3d, after each coughing-spell, 
has often proved successful in curing the tendency. 



SHORTNESS OF BREATH. 71 

HjOSCiamus, in the same way, will allay the cough at night. 
Drosera and Cuprum, in the same dose, have proved suc- 
cessful where the others failed. 



SHORTNESS OF BREATH (Dyspnoea). 

This difficulty is troublesome, but not dangerous ; will 
occur particularly during the latter months of pregnancy, 
when the abdominal muscles are too distended to assist the 
muscles of the chest, and when the abdominal cavity is so 
filled as to give no extra room to the lungs for free expansion. 

When it occurs in the beginning of pregnancy, it is gen- 
erally a mere nervous sympathy with the womb ; when it 
occurs in the middle of pregnancy, it may depend upon a 
plethoric state of the system, which should be attended to 
by the physician ; and this is particularly the case, when, at 
every motion, the breath is impeded, or the heart palpitates. 

Those liable to asthma should be able to distinguish the 
difference ; for in that disease there is more or less mucus 
rattling in the chest at every expiration and inspiration. 
Moreover, the short breathing from pregnancy is always 
ameliorated by rest ; while that from asthma is not. 

TREATMENT. 

Rest is important ; the stomach should not be overloaded 
by hearty meals ; eat often, and little at a time. Costive- 
ness of the bowels should not be tolerated ; for the patient 
wants all the interior room possible. The dress should be 
worn loose. 

Medicine is useless, of course, when short breathing is 
produced simply by the mechanical pressure of the enlarged 
fetal tumor during the last two months. 

In the earlier stages of pregnancy, this trouble may be 
relieved by Ipecac, a drop of the tincture every two or three 
hours. 



/ 

r 



72 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

Mosclius or Arsenicum (3d). Six globules every two or 
three hours will relieve when Ipecac fails. 

Aconite. When there is any tendency to congestion, which 
may be known by an increased pulse, flushing and heat of 
the face, heat about the body. Six globules of the 3d every 
hour or two until relieved. 

G else mill urn. Drop-doses of the tincture, when there is 
palpitation, a sensation of weight or stricture at the heart, 
increased pulse, heat, and flushing. 

PAIN IN THE EIGHT SIDE. 

From the fifth to the eighth month, from sympathy and 
when the pressure of the extended womb reaches the region 
of the liver, a fulness and a state of congestion may occur, 
which induce a deep-seated pain or aching on the right side> 
aggravated by motion, by coughing, or the taking of a long 
breath : it may be accompanied by a sensation of heat, and 
of a dull, heavy weight in the part affected. 

At such times, exercise should be very moderate. The ap- 
plication of a mustard-poultice is useful when the pain is 
acute. A cold, wet bandage, put on when retiring, and well 
covered with flannel, will sometimes relieve this pain entire- 
ly. If the pain is connected with inflammation of the liver, 
which would be detected by the presence of fever, chilliness, 
and yellowish-coated tongue, a physician should be consulted. 

TREATMENT. 

Aconite and Bryonia, alternately, every two or three 
hours, from the 1st to the 3d potency. 

Mercarius would be very useful, particularly when symp- 
toms of biliousness are present. 
Of the 3d trituration, one grain every three hours. 



SPITTING OF BLOOD. 73 



SPITTING OF BLOOD. 

This is very rare ; still, when it occurs in connection with 
consumption, it is sufficiently formidable to send for a phy- 
sician immediately. It may occur, however, independently 
of this, from a simple congestion, due to the suppression of 
the usual menses. In this case, it may appear at the time 
that the menses would be due, and would not be dangerous 
to the patient : on the contrary, it would relieve the conges- 
tion. Let the patient retire to bed, and assume a semi- 
reclined position ; put a cold, wet bandage around the chest ? 
cover it well with flannel, and, when it gets very warm, renew 
it. 

TREATMENT. 



Aconite and Hamainelis. Six drops of the 1st dilution in 

ivineglass of water. 

One teaspoonful alternately every hour until better. 



Ipecac, in the same dose, may take the place of Hamame- 
lis, if there is cough or rattling mucus in the chest. 

PLETHOKA AND ANJSMIA. 

The first is commonly known as full-bloodedness ; the 
second, poverty of blood, chlorosis, or green sickness. There 
is no subject which is so little understood by non-profession- 
als as this. These* common appellations do not convey a 
right conception of the condition of the blood. 

The blood, sixteen Gr twenty pounds of which circulate 
in the human body, is composed of the following proxi- 
mate principles : — 

Fibrin. ( The whole, in solution, com- 

Albumen, > In solution •< posing the liquor sanguinis, 
Salts, ) forming serum. { or the water of the blood. 

Red corpuscles, which contain hematine and iron, suspended 
in the liquor sanguinis, and which give the red color. 



74 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

The blood is therefore composed of water } solids, and 
coloring matter. The water, which is probably eight parts 
of the blood, holds in solution the solids ; viz., the fibrin, al- 
bumen, and salts, which it conveys to the proper organs for 
the nutrition of the body : the red corpuscles flow with it 
even through its minutest capillaries, with the exception of 
the white ball of the eye ; and it seems that their office is 
to oxygenate the blood. 

The proportion of the water, solids, and red corpuscles, 
varies, and is affected by diet, regimen, and sickness. Thus 
persons who seem to have too much or too little blood are 
only affected by a change in the proportions of its constitu- 
ents. A high-liver, using wines, may increase the red cor- 
puscles so as to give him a full-blooded appearance ; while a 
person who eats very little, or substances containing water 
in large proportion, or who is diseased, may increase the 
water in the blood disproportionately, and have a pale, 
greenish appearance. 

It is a popular fallacy with women that a pregnant woman 
makes blood very fast in order to supply nutrition for two 
beings ; that sometimes it is made so fast, that nothing short 
of venesection will save her from congestions, convul- 
sions, miscarriage, &c. ; and bleeding has thus become a 
practice of pregnant women, to the detriment of their 
health. 

On this subject Gazeaux says, — 

" It is now well proved that the essential character of 
plethora is based upon a great increase in the proportion 
of the blood-corpuscies, as their diminution is the distinctive 
fact in anosmia. And it is well known that diminution of 
the corpuscles, and increased proportion of water, are the 
essential characteristics of anaemia and chlorosis. In this 
respect, pregnant women may be strictly compared with 
those affected with chlorosis." 

So that, although most authors have attributed the func- 



PLETHORA AND ANuEMIA. 75 

tional disorders of pregnancy to plethora, on account of the 
peculiar physiognomy they present, the fact is, that, as has 
been said by Andral, who experimented largely in this mat- 
ter, u the true cause of the symptoms is not to be judged of 
by their external character, but only by the changes in the 
blood. Now, the analysis of the blood of a large number 
of females who complained of these supposed plethoric 
symptoms has shown a marked diminution of corpuscles, 
and an increase of serum." 

We know that chlorotic girls — girls, who, from some un- 
appreciated reason, have never menstruated ; who, in con- 
sequence of the diminution of the red corpuscles, become so 
pale and greenish as to give their disease the vulgar name of 
" green sickness " — have symptoms very similar to those 
that occur in pregnancy. Their appetite becomes capricious, 
their tastes whimsical ; they long for pickles, slate-pencils, 
clay, &c. ; they, too, are subject to vertigo, sudden heat in 
the face, fainting, &c. 

No one would think of bleeding a chlorotic girl ; for it 
is known, that, while the vessels empty themselves of red 
blood, they refill themselves with water by absorption. 
This would establish an anaemic condition which Gazeaux 
calls "serous plethora/' increasing the headache, vertigo, 
palpitation of the heart, ringing in the ears, &c. It is, there- 
fore, necessary to change, not the amount, but the character 
and quality, of the blood. "Hence," says Gazeaux, "an 
animal diet, and preparations of iron, should be as useful 
againts the functional disorders of pregnancy as against those 
of chlorosis." And he adds, " Only in cases where plethora 
habitually existed before, and was shown by abundant and 
high-colored menstrual discharges, or by frequent bleeding 
at the nose, would he (the physician) bleed when plethoric 
symptoms are present in pregnancy." 

These facts must be borne in mind by women who con- 
sider themselves good subjects for blood-letting. The 



76 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

homoeopaths can obviate all this difficult y, as they have a 
knowledge of the disease-producing qualities of their reme- 
dies to go by. And, in this view, it is quite important to 
distinguish the two varieties of plethora ; for the regimen 
and diet should change accordingly. On this point, we 
quote again the sagacious Gazeaux: "Females of full- 
blooded habit, as it is called, subject to congestive head- 
aches, throbbing, and sensation of enlargement of the head, 
congestion of the eyes, heat in the head, red suffusion of 
the face, nose-bleed, bleeding piles, profuse red menstrua- 
tion, and who are now (i.e., in pregnancy) affected with ful- 
ness and hardness of pulse,- with a feeling of heaviness in 
the head, with somnolence, vertigo, ringing in the ears, sud- 
den flushes of the face, may conclude that they are affect- 
ed with a plethora requiring diminution of food, abstinence 
from meat, cold ablutions, perfect regularity of the bowels, 
total abstinence from alcoholic drinks, and daily exercise. 
Females who are generally pale, whose menstruation is 
rather scanty and watery; who, during pregnancy, suffer 
from vertigo, somnolence, and ringing in the ears; but who 
have no full, hard pulse, (pulse very compressible), and 
are inclined to bloated face, swelling of the hands and feet, 
even though they have flushes of the face, — should eat 
meat generously, take a glass of red wine now and then, 
and plenty of exercise in the open air." 

TREATMENT FOR PLETHORA. 

Gelseminum. One drop of the tincture every two hours, 
when there is feverishness, throbbing of the arteries, heat 
of the face and body, full pulse ; bouncing palpitation of the 
heart / intermittent pulsation of the heart ; oppression of 
the heart and chest. 

Aconite. Fever ; violent dry heat ; burning dryness of 
the shin; alternate paleness and redness of the face ; great 



SEROUS PLETHORA. 77 

nervousness, restlessness, tossing; pulse Lard, frequent, 
and accelerated; vertigo, particularly on raising the 
head. 

Belladonna. Violent congestive headache ; throbbing at 
the temples ; pain in the forehead, obliging the patient to 
close her eyes; tension and pressure in the head; feeling as 
if the brain were larger ; motion increases the pain violent- 
ly ; stitches in the head ; when stooping, the blood rushes to 
the head ; violent redness and heat in the face ; dark red 
face ; redness of the eyes ; pain in the orbits (one sees 
double) ; dulness of the head ; stupefaction. 

Aconite and Belladonna may be taken separately or al- 
ternately. Six globules of the 3c£ every hour. Of the 
solution, six drops of the 3d in a wineglass of ivater ; one 
teaspoonful every hour until relieved. 

If not relieved within twelve hours, send for your physi- 
cian. 

TREATMENT FOR SEROUS PLETHORA. 

China. Heaviness of the head, vertigo, dizziness, som- 
nolence, headache, compressive headache, paleness of 
the face, pufjiness, weakness, laziness, singing in the 
ears. 

Arsenicum. Vertigo ; weight in the head, with humming 
in the ears ; beating pain in the head, with nausea in at- 
tempting to rise from the bed. Pale, death-colored face ; 
yellow, livid; bloated ; swelling of the lips, hands, or 
feet ; great thirst ; prostration ; urine scanty. 

To be prepared as Aconite, but to be taken separately, 
and only every two or three hours. 

Ferrum. Two grains of the 1st trituration every two 
hours, when the patient is in an anaemic state. Pale greenish 



78 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

face and eyes. Pass great quantities of pale urine. Want 
of appetite; aversion to meat. Pale bluish nails, pale 
hands, iveakness, pale tongue. Vertigo, dizziness, trem- 
bling. Sluggish bowels. Coldness of the extremities. 



PALPITATION OF THE HEART. 

Women, and particularly weakly ones, and those of ner- 
vous temperaments, are liable to palpitation (see paragraph 
on "Plethora") when in a state of pregnancy. 

The exciting causes are mental agitation, sudden starts, 
disordered stomach and bowels, errors in diet, and the 
motion of the child. The drinking of large quantities of 
coffee or green tea will also predispose the woman to pal- 
pitation. 

The attacks may come on while awake or while asleep, 
suddenly or gradually. When the heart beats violently, it 
produces a queer choking sensation in the throat, and makes 
one feel almost sick at the stomach : the cold perspiration 
may sometimes be felt all over. The excessive beating may 
even shake the body. The action of the heart at such 
times is generally regular, although excessive, and rarely 
intermits. Giddiness, dimness of vision, heat and pressure 
in the head, stupefaction, may accompany an attack. 

This w r ill soon subside if the patient takes a recumbent 
position. Smelling salts of ammonia, or taking a teaspoonful 
of brandy or whiskey, is useful. 

Although extremely distressing, palpitation of the heart 
is hardly ever dangerous. The cause should be inquired 
into. If induced by indigestion, flatulency, sour stomach, 
&c, the diet should be attended to ; so with the bowels, if 
constipation is present. So much has been said already 
about the diet in constipation and indigestion, under their 
respective heads, that it is useless to repeat. 



PALPITATION OF THE HEART. 79 

, TREATMENT. 

Cactus Grandiflora. In palpitation, particularly from 
plethora, pressure at the heart, sensation of fulness at the 
heart, dull, aching pain around it, suffocative feelings ; this 
remedy continued three times a day will stop the tendency 
to palpitation and pain from plethora. 

Five drops of the Sd dilution to a tumbler half full of 
water, one teaspoonful each time. 

Nux Yom. Will relieve palpitation from dyspepsia, with 
fulness at the stomach, flatulency, nasty-tasting tongue, 
white-coated tongue, constipation. 

Ignatia. Palpitation from nervousness, from fright, dis- 
tress of mind, and from hysteria. 

A drop of Spirits of Camphor on a lump of sugar will 
quickly relieve palpitation with. tendency to fainting. 
For further treatment, see " Plethora." 



FAINTING. 

This is not an unusual occurrence among women during 
the first month of pregnancy. Many females take it as a 
sign of pregnancy, even before the suppression of the 
menses. At the period of quickening, however, it is quite 
common ; probably owing to a sympathetic nervous irrita- 
tion from the movements of the child. A cause of faint- 
ing, during pregnancy, is tight dressing, and oppressive, con- 
fined air. It is common to see women leave theatres and 
churclfes in a fainting condition. Nervous and delicate 
females are easily overtaken by fainting. It is generally 
a disorder that should create no alarm, unless it is con- 
nected with disease of the heart ; in which case, it is suf- 
ficiently serious to call in medical assistance. During the 



80 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

later months of pregnancy, it is regarded with some appre- 
hension, on account of unpleasant anticipations after de- 
livery. During pregnancy, it is apt to frighten the attend- 
ants ; but the alarm is groundless, as it will not interfere 
with the process of parturition, nor expose the patient to 
any danger. 

Fainting may be regarded with suspicion immediately 
after delivery, if there is hemorrhage, or the discharges are 
entirely stopped. In that case, the cavity of the uterus 
should be examined, lest a clot of blood hides an internal 
hemorrhage. In this case, however, the fainting is pro- 
longed, the face is ashy pale, the lips bluish, there is a ful- 
ness in the abdomen, attended by a sensation of weight. 

TREATMENT. 

The first thing to be done in fainting is to lay the patient 
flat on the bed, with the head even with the body ; loosen 
the dresses around the chest ; allow plenty of air ; sprinkle 
cold water on the face • and, if at hand, apply to the nos- 
trils salts of ammonia or camphor, cologne, vinegar, &c. 
This is generally sufficient to restore the patient. If, after 
fainting, there is a great sensation of weakness, a little wine, 
brandy, or whiskey may be administered. 

If fainting is from fright or nervousness, Ignatia is the 
remedy ; if from oppressive air or tight dressing, it is suf- 
ficient to remove the cause ; if it comes from constitu- 
tional or functional disturbance, apply to your physician ; 
if due to weakness, plethora, or ansemia, see paragraph on 
these disorders. 

Vomiting may occur in recovering from faintness : do not 
interfere, it relieves. If the patient falls asleep soon*after, 
let her alone : she will awaken much refreshed. 

For continued fainting-fits, give Camphor, one drop of 
the spirit in a little water every ten minutes, and send for 
the physician. 



HEADACHE. 81 

VEKTIGO AND DIZZINESS. 

(See paragraphs on " Ansemia," " Plethora," and " Faint- 
ing") 

HEADACHE. 

Next to disturhance of the stomach, headache is con- 
sidered the most common complaint of pregnant women; 
and we are safe in saying the most common complaint 
amongst men, women, and children. 

Headache is a disorder that has been treated more scien- 
tifically and more successfully by the homoeopathic than by 
any other system of medicine ever applied. 

Marcy, Hunt, Pulte, and others have treated this sub- 
ject so thoroughly in their works, that I shall cull from 
them very deliberately, and without limit. In taking this 
liberty, I hope I give them the credit they deserve. 



CONGESTIVE HEADACHE. 

The pregnant female liable to this form of headache 
should peruse the paragraph on " Plethora v in connection 
with the following. 

This headache comes from determination of blood to the 
head ; and persons who make use of spirituous liquors, who 
lead a sedentary and studious life, who indulge freely at the 
table ; persons of much mental application, of sanguine 
nervous temperament, — are addicted to it. 

The symptoms are : great throbbing of the arteries, press- 
ure in the head, giddiness in stooping ; head aches mostly 
over the eyes ; the eyes feel big and painful, they cannot 
bear the light ; the face is flushed ; great heat in the head, 
particularly on the top ; motion aggravates the symptoms, 
the brain feels as if it would fall out ; cold feels grateful. 

It may be brought on by. mental excitement, mental 
6 



82 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

labor, close application, errors in diet, exposure to cold, 
fatigue, suppression of the menses, &c. 

TREATMENT. 

Apply cloths wet in cold water, and renew them as soon 
as they get warm ; hot bricks to the feet, particularly if they 
are cold : in severe cases, a mustard-poultice to the back of 
the neck. Vomiting relieves. 

Gelseminum, Aconite, and Belladonna. (See " Plethora,") 

Pulsatilla. The pain is dull and oppressive on one side 
only. Very efficient in females whose menses are sup- 
pressed, particularly in phlegmatic, blonde girls. 

Of the 3d or 30th, six globules every hour. 

Glonoine. The character of the headache is throbbing, 
pressing, and fulness of the arteries ; a sensation of a tight 
band around the head. The arteries throb ; the pulse is 
full and rapid ; sometimes palpitation of the heart, nausea, 
and vomiting ; the nausea does not commence with the 
headache, it seems to follow it. Dizziness, sensation of 
balancing, confusion of the senses from intense pain. The 
pain is cutting, jerking, pressing from below upwards. 
The patient is wild with pain, and, as soon as relieved, goes 
into a deep sleep. The eyes are hot, injected, painful : 
sparks and flashes of light appear before them. 

Ipecac may be alternated with any of the above remedies 
if nausea or vomiting is persistent. 

One drop of the 3d, every hour, until vomiting subsides. 

JTux Yom. Alone, or in alternation with one of the above 
remedies, if the headache has been induced by constipation 
or gastric irritation, from over-eating, or eating late at 
night, also if brought on by drinking. 

Six globules of the 3d or 30th every two hours. 



STOMACHIC HEADACHE. 83 

Ignatia. Like ISTux, if the headache has been induced by 
mental excitement or nervousness, anger or grief. 

China. If the headache is from weakness, loss of blood, 
and is periodical (see " Anaemia"), 

The Diet should be light and farinaceous, except in case 
of loss of blood (see " Anaemia "). 

Those subject to congestive headaches should rise early, 
take open-air exercise, cold shower-baths, and be moderate 
in their occupation, eating, and drinking. 



HEADACHE FROM CONSTIPATION, OR GASTRIC 
DERANGEMENT. 

In this headache, the tongue is furred, the taste is bad, the 
appetite is lost ; nay, the thought of food causes nausea, 
malaise at the stomach, nausea and vomiting : the bowels 
may be constipated. 

It is unnecessary to say that it is induced by errors in 
diet, late eating, eating in a hurry, eating food that usually 
disagrees, &c. 

TREATMENT. 

If the headache comes on soon after eating, free vomiting 
will give great relief. This may be effected by drinking a 
tumblerful of warm water with a teaspoonful of mustard 
dissolved in it. 

flux Vomica is the chief medical remedy in this headache 
(see JVicx, also, in congestive headache). 

Pulsatilla. Shivering with thirst ; pain only on one side, 
with little determination of the blood to the head ; for fe- 
males of a mild, quiet temperament, who weep easily, and 
are easily agitated ; particularly if the headache is brought 



84 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

on by fat food, or irregularity of the menses. Dose. As in 
congestive headache. 

Bryonia. The head feels as if pressed together on both 
sides ; and, on stooping, as if every thing would fall out of 
it ; the nose bleeds ; the eyes water and burn ; stitches in 
the head ; rheumatic pains ; constipation ; particularly if 
brought on by a cold. Dose. As Pulsatilla. 

Opium. Habitual constipation ; rush of blood to the head ; 
stupor y thirst, mouth dry. 

Six globules of the 30th three times a day. 

Sepia. Habitual headache in nervous ivomen, with leu- 
corrhcea, or derangement of the menstrual functions ; cannot 
bear the light ; sick-headache. Dose. As Opium. 

Ignatia. Headache produced by mental agitation. 



SICK-HEADACHE. 

A distressing form of the malady, occurring most fre- 
quently in literary or professional men, and in delicate but 
intellectual females. It occurs most frequently in per- 
sons between the age of puberty and forty or fifty years. 
Some are peculiarly subject to it for a long series of 
years ; and many, though temporarily relieved by various 
modes of treatment, are never permanently cured. — - 
Marcy & Hunt. 

It is common for sick-headache to commence in the morn- 
ing, on waking from a deep, unre freshing sleep, after pre- 
vious fatigue, mental excitement, or irregularity of diet. 
There is " disturbance of vision ; dull and distressingly op- 
pressive pain of the head, centring in one temple, most 
frequently the left ; tenderness and fulness of the eye 
of the same side, extending across the forehead, and some- 



SICK-HEADACHE. 85 

times fixing itself over the inner corner of the eyebrow ; 
painful sensibility, to light ; clammy and unpleasant taste 
inthe mouth; chilliness of the skin; cold and moist hands 
and feet ; pulse feeble ; face pale." — Wright. 

" After the pain in the head and about the eye has become 
severe, sickness at the stomach begins, and is increased by 
every movement, especially raising up ; flatulence ; retching ; 
shuddering, and vomiting of the contents of the stomach, 
or of a thin glairy fluid of an acrid sour taste. Some of 
these attacks last six or twelve hours ; again, one, two, or 
three days." — Marcy 8c Stint. 

" It is distinguished from neuralgia by the predominance 
of the gastric symptoms. It has none of the strict perio- 
dicity which belongs to the intermittent neuralgic disease of 
the head and eye." — Hartmann. It is distinguished from 
dyspeptic headache, by being more severe. 

TREATMENT. 

Sanguinaria often cures this form of headache when ac- 
companied by persistent nausea, redness of the tongue, 
burning sensation in the throat, chest, and stomach, bitter 
eructations, yellowness of the face and eyes, loathing of 
food and drinks. — Marcy Sc Hunt. 

Glonoine. (See " Congestive Headache.") 

Iris Versicolor. Nervous sick-headache, particularly of 
the right side, aggravated by rest, and on moving the head, 
but relieved by continued motion. Headache with bitter 
taste, nausea, and vomiting of bile ; fulness of the head ; 
head feels hot ; shooting pains in the right temple and 
from the teeth ; stupid, stunning headache several mornings 
in succession, with copious limpid urine. It is particularly 
indicated where the nausea and vomiting predominate. 



86 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

Ferrum Aceticum (1st trituration). Two grains morning 
and evening, for a long time, has cnred obstinate cases. — 
Marcy 8c Hunt. 

Nitric Acid and Ferruin on alternate weeks has now and 
then cured severe cases of this malady. — Marcy & Hunt. 

Ipecac will relieve the nausea. 

Spigelia. Great sensitiveness to noise ; pain confined to or 
worse on the left side ; deep-seated pain in one eye or both. 

Six globules of the 3d every three hours. 

For a cure of this distressing and obstinate malady, a 
physician should be consulted. 



NEURALGIA IN THE HEAD, NERVOUS HEADACHE, 
HEMICRANIA, MEGRIM. 

This malad}^ which is called by so many names, is a true 
neuralgia, and one of the most painful and intractable dis- 
eases. The distinguishing feature of this headache is, that 
the pain is severest in some spot about the head, according 
to the nerve that is affected. It may be on one temple or 
the other, on the top of the head, on the cheek, on the 
bridge of the nose, but seldom on two places . at the same 
time ; although it will pass from one place to another. The 
pain is of that acute, boring kind, to distract the patient. 
It has a periodical tendency, generally commencing at sun- 
rise, and stopping at sunset. The patient will press hard 
upon the spot, and throw herself about in despair. Press- 
ure often relieves. As it continues, the patient becomes 
very sensitive to the light ; and the slightest noise or jar 
will make her wild. Retching and vomiting sometimes 
follow, and give relief to the patient, particularly if she 
vomits bile. The pulse is not affected, and there is no ap- 



NEURALGIC HEADACHE, ETC 87 

pearance of congestion about the face. It is apt to recur 
periodically, — every week, two or three, or longer. It 
sometimes has premonitory symptoms : often it comes on sud- 
denly. Great quantity of colorless urine passes. 

TREATMENT. 

Hot dry flannel around the head sometimes gives relief. 
If the feet are cold, put hot bricks to them. A handker- 
chief tied around the head tightly is grateful. 

Aconite and Belladonna cover all the above -named symp- 
toms. I have taken three drops of the tincture of each, 
and put them in twelve teaspoonfuls of the same water, and 
given one teaspoonful every hour, with great success. 

Arsenicum. The symptoms in which this remedy has 
been found efficient are: aching, stunning, tearing pain; 
patient sensitive to the open air ; she keeps in constant mo- 
tion, and is relieved by outward warmth ; feels exceedingly 
languid, chilly, and sometimes bloated ; the pains are apt 
to recur after dinner, and are worse at evening and night ; 
particularly after chills and fever. This remedy can be 
taken regularly, twice a day, with view to a radical cure. 

Six globules of the 3d or 30th. 

Sepia. Is peculiarly indicated in hysterical females (see 
Sepia, under " Headache from Constipation," &c), and is 
particularly indicated by shooting pain in the frontal bones, 
like flashes from without inward, reverberating through 
the brain ; heat ; tightness of the head, painful to touch. 

Six globules of the 30th three times a day. 

Ignaiia. From over-excitement of the nervous system ; pain 
particularly at the root of the nose ; pain as if a nail were 
driven through the nose \ patient feels taciturn, dejected, 
nervous. 



88 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

Calcarea-Carfoonica. In scrofulous patients, with little 
development, flabby muscles, and large glands. Menses too 
early, or too profuse. 

Six globules of the 30th or 200th twice a day. 

Spigelia. (See " Sick-headache.") 

China. (See "Anaemia") 

Cyclamen. Periodical semilateral headache and face-ache 
for four years, appearing every week or fortnight, and last- 
ing from twelve to thirty-six hours; worse at menstrual 
epoch. The skin, eyelids, lips, and gums were pale ; body 
lean ; skin dry and cool. Eight eye spasmodically closed, 
discharging hot tears when opened. Dr. Eidherr of Vienna 
cured such a case with Cyclamen, 3d. 

Veratrum Viride. Five drops in a glass half full of 
%vater, one teaspoonful every tivo hours, has cured many 
neuralgic headaches. 

This neuralgic headache has sometimes been effectually 
cured by large doses of quinine ; not in pregnant women, 
however. 



HEADACHE FROM COLD OR CATARRH IN THE HEAD. 

Some feverishness is present, attended by fulness, heavi- 
ness, and pain over the eyes and nose. The nose is stopped 
up, or runs watery, acrid matter, that irritates the passages. 
The eyes are congested, and run water, sometimes hot. The 
patient sneezes, clears her nose, or snuffs air. 

Aconite and NuxTom., alternately, sometimes are sufficient. 

Mercurius, in place of JSfax, is adopted in epidemic influ- 
enza attended with great sneezing, running at the nose, 



HE AD A CHE. — SLEEPLESSNESS. 89 

with redness and excoriation ; also with painful itching in 
the nose, chilliness, fever, pain in the limbs. 

Arsenicum. Hot water running constantly from nose and 
eyes. Fever, thirst, weakness, loss of appetite. 

Sulphur, from chronic catarrh. 

Six globules of the 30th or 200th twice a day. 



EHEUMATIC HEADACHE. 

Bryonia or Rhus may be taken in alternation with .one 
of the remedies indicated for neuralgia : the former, if the 
pain extend to the upper extremities ; the latter, if to the 
lower. 

In the selection of a remedy for headache, all the reme- 
dies given for the various headaches should be studied ; for, 
although the headaches are classified, many of the symp- 
toms are similar, and the remedy should be chosen that 
covers the greatest number of symptoms without regard to 
the class of headaches for which it is recommended. 



SLEEPLESSNESS (Insomnia). 

Pregnant women of nervous temperament are often kept 
awake night after night without apparent cause. This is 
produced by the slightest mental excitement, or by the mo- 
tions of the child ; again, by eating, or indulging in a cup 
of tea or coffee before retiring. Close confinement to one's 
room, and want of exercise, may also be the cause. This 
may be borne without inconvenience, provided the patient 
gets some few hours of sleep in the morning, and awakes 
refreshed. But, in some instances, the patient suffers se- 
verely ; does not sleep a minute ; becomes feverish, restless, 
and agitated ; she loses her appetite, and becomes weak and 



90 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

prostrated ; her mind begins now to suffer 5 and she becomes 
fretful, whimsical, and even irrational. 

The principal causes of this distressing disorder being 
pointed out, it will not be difficult for the patient to obviate 
them. 

TREATMENT. 

Coffea (3d). Provided the patient does not use coffee as 
article of diet, will be found efficient in wakefulness without 
any desire to sleep. Patient ivide-aivake, as it is commonly 
expressed. Has no particular feeling, only has no inclina- 
tion to sleep. 

Hyosciamus* Drowsiness ivithout sleep ; patient starts 
from her sleep, and cannot sleep again ; she has bad dreams ; 
at times she sleeps very heavily ; she talks in her sleep; she 
imagines something is in the room, and is afraid. 

Ignatia. She is very nervous ; she lies thinking about 
herself; broods over things; she trembles; she weeps or 
laughs alternately ; she is restless in her sleep ; her mind is 
fatigued in the morning. 

The dose of these remedies, if in globules, six every 
hour ; if in solution, six drops to ten teaspoonfuls of water, 
one teaspoonful every hour. 

tfnx Yom. (See " Constipation") 

Mesmerism, that is passing the hands gently over the 
patient's eyes downwards, sometimes is sufficient to quiet 
her nervous system, and put her to sleep. 

If her head is hot, a dose of Belladonna, and a kerchief 
wet in cold water, tied around her head, may be sufficient. 
Bathing the feet at bedtime, drinking a glass of water, 
may assist her. 

Listening to reading aloud, or to a long, tedious story, or 
fixing the eyes and mind on one object, often produces sleep. 



ABORTION. 91 



ABORTION. 



SPONTANEOUS MISCARRIAGE. 



Although physiolo/ have divided abortions into classes, 
according to the periou <k ^egnancy, for the sake of theo- 
retical speculation, there is u - one to the woman bearing 
child. The loss of the foetus (cnlld) before its full time is 
to be called abortion, miscarriage, premature birth, or any 
other name chosen to designate that loss. It involves the 
same fact, the same risk, morally and physically. Classifi- 
cation may be of use to a physician ; but it has no import 
to the woman, except to deceive her. From the moment she 
conceives, she is mother to the creature, and contracts 
towards it all the moral duties which devolve upon her dur- 
ing any period of its life within or without the womb. 

CAUSES, AND THINGS TO BE AVOIDED. 

Gazeaux divides the causes of abortion into classes, as 
follows : — 

1. Those due to the father. Physiologists and patholo- 
gists disagree in regard to these ; some maintaining that 
the father can, some that he cannot, be a cause of abortion. 
There is enough, however, in the experience of medical 
men, to caution a diseased man from getting married. The 
transmission of disease from the father to the child is of 
too frequent occurrence to need arguing. 

The age of the father — his extreme youth or old age — 
has been supposed to be a predisposing cause of abortion, 
through an extremely attenuated power of life in the foetus 
itself. 

2. The general condition of the mother necessarily in- 
creases or decreases liability to abortion. Plethoric women 
addicted to profuse menstruations ; very impressible, nervous 



92 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

women, greatly excited by passion or mental disturbances ; 
women of sedentary habits, or those who indulge immod- 
erately in the pleasures of society, dancing, late hours, 
tight lacing ; women occupied at the sewing-machine, or 
who carry weights to strain their back, or who expose them- 
selves to heated stoves in the kitchen, — are constantly ex- 
posed to this mishap. 

Acute diseases, particularly Small-Pox ; inflammation of 
the bowels ; syphilis ; Asiatic cholera ; severe constipation ; 
hemorrhage ; diseases of the womb and ovaries ; inflamma- 
tion of the bladder, vagina, and rectum, — are all predispos- 
ing causes. 

In periodical and habitual abortion, the cause may almost 
always be traced to some abnormality of the womb. 

3. Some anomalous condition of the ovum itself may be the 

immediate cause of the abortion of early pregnancy. 

4. Death ofthe fcetus is inevitably followed by abortion. 
The mother may transmit disease to the foetus. Children 
have been born with the small-pox, with intermittent or 
with yellow fever, after the mother had for some time 
recovered from it. An army officer and his wife had the 
yellow-fever in Texas : the husband died of it ; the wife 
recovered. She returned to Washington, and, after a few 
weeks, gave birth to an infant, apparently healthy. Six 
weeks after, as the child gave sign of restlessness, the 
mother got up to comfort it ; when, to her greatest horror, 
she recognized in the vomited ingesta of the child the fatal 
symptoms of yellow-fever. In twelve hours, the baby was 
dead. So, also, disease and death may take place in the 
child before it is born. 

The signs of death of the foetus are : cessation of motion 
after quickening (this sign is an unsafe one to rely upon, 
however ; for the motion may have become so slight as to 



ABORTION. 93 

be imperceptible to the mother) ; the abdomen collapses ; 
the breasts shrink / the woman experiences a sensation of 
tveight in the loins, which may change locality in moving to 
different positions ; and a pressure in the lower part of the 
abdomen. 

As a general rule, the retention of a dead infant, even for 
some time, does not produce disastrous results to the mother. 
In time, it passes off; and, if pregnancy is advanced, the 
breasts may swell with milk: but they soon subside, and 
the regular order of health becomes re-established. 

5. Accidental Causes. A leap from a carriage, running 
doivn stairs, missing a step, falls, excessive fatigue, too 
frequent coition, severe contusions, may produce miscarriage. 
A blow on the abdomen may cause injury and death to the 
foetus. The severe jar or jolting of a carriage, a sudden 
fright, a ft of violent passion, have often produced abor- 
tion. 

Of the classifications of abortion, the consideration of 
miscarriage and premature birth is the only one that may 
be of use to the mother. Miscarriage is the term used for 
abortion of a child before the seventh month ; because it is 
not viable (that is, liable to live) : after that period, 
abortion is called premature birth ; because the develop- 
ment of the child is such, that it can live out of its mother's 
womb. 

Miscarriages happen oftener at the third month of preg- 
nancy ; but they occur often enough before and after. It is 
believed that at the third month it can occur with less danger 
to the mother ; still, physicians know that the danger in- 
creases with the advancement of pregnancy. It is also said 
that the infant is more likely to live if born at the seventh 
than at the eighth month, although there is no physiologi- 
cal reason for it. 

The womb is an organ of such periodical habits, that, when 



94 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

miscarriage has happened once, it is apt to occur again, and 
at the same period of pregnancy. 

The writer has attended a lady during seven miscariages ; 
each of which occurred, in spite of care and treatment, on 
the accomplishment of the third month, to the very day. 
The patient was hardly over one miscarriage before she 
became pregnant again ; thus depriving the womb of the 
rest and time necessary to recover from debility, and to 
enable it to carry its burdens for a much longer period. This 
fact illustrates the importance, for a woman addicted to mis- 
carriage, of taking particular care of herself, and avoiding 
any exciting cause that may tend to disturb her womb 
at such periods ; for, if she goes beyond the limit of that 
time, she ivill probably be able to bear a child to its full 
term. 

The best mode to avert this periodical liability is for the 
woman to remain on her back for tic o weeks before, and two 
iveeks after, such period. 

Having given the causes of abortion, it is useless to sug- 
gest the means to avert it. Common sense w T ould lead the 
woman to avoid w r hat would endanger the life of her infant, 
and her own life. 

For causes over which the woman has no control, she 
should consult her physician. 

When a woman has been subject to abortions, it is in- 
dispensable that she should not become pregnant for a year 
or two in order to give time to the womb to recover from its 
weakness. 

Moderation in every thing should be her effort, to attain 
the dearest object of her life. 

SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT. 

There are premonitory, and actual, symptoms of abor- 
tion. 

The Premonitory Symptoms, which may occur several 



ABORTION. 95 

days before the actual symptoms set in, are : alternate sen- 
sations of chilliness and heat, nausea, thirst, lassitude, pal- 
pitations, cold extremities, pallor, depression of spirit ; the 
eyes look heavy and dull ; sensation of sinking at the stom- 
ach ; of weight near the anus and vagina; pain in the loins ; 
ineffectual desire to pass, water ; the breasts become soft and 
flaccid. 

These symptoms may occur singly or collectively, with- 
out indicating abortion ; yet, when a woman has had 
miscarriages before, she should not disregard these warn- 
ings. 

The Actual Symptoms are. regular periodic pains with 
chills ; pains that start from the bach, and run down the 
loins and the lower part of the abdomen ; pains that cause 
contraction of the womb, and bearing doivn. During each 
pain, the abdomen grows hard under the hand, and relaxes 
after the pain is gone ; a watery or bloody discharge- exudes 
from the vagina, which is an indication that the membranes 
are detaching themselves from the womb. 

When such symptoms occur, and when blood, however 
little, discharges from the vagina, even without any other 
symptoms, it is imperative that the patient should confine 
herself to her bed, maintain the most undisturbed quietude, 
morally and physically, and send for her physician. 

A sudden vaginal flow of blood after a fall, ajar, a blow, 
or a shock to the nervous system, should be regarded as per- 
ilous in the extreme; and the physician should be sum- 
moned without a moment's delay. 

During the first and second months of pregnancy, a sud- 
den profuse flow of blood may carry off ovum and all, the 
patient recover from the shock soon, all the symptoms of preg- 
nancy disappear, and the woman doubt even that she had 
been pregnant at all. After the second month, if a woman 
has a profuse loss of blood, and passes shreds or lumps of co- 
agulated blood, she should preserve them for the physician's 






96 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

examination, lest they do not contain the whole ovum and 
after-birth ; part of these being retained in the womb, where 
they may eventually act as an irritant, and produce constant 
hemorrhage. 

SYMPTOMS NOT DETERMINATE. 

However, abortion is really inevitable only when the foe- 
tus has ceased to live, or when the separation of the after- 
birth and membranes is so complete as to cut off all nourish- 
ment from the child. There are many instances recorded 
where the pains and bloody discharges seemed to make 
abortion inevitable ; yet those symptoms ceased, and 
the child went to its full term, and was born healthy and 
strong. 

Many of those symptoms may occur from diseases inde- 
pendent of pregnancy. Colic, diarrhoea, dysentery, will 
produce pains like labor-pains. Blood may ooze out of an 
ulcer located in the mouth of the womb : watery discharge 
may occur in certain forms of dropsies, &c. 

The physician, however, should be the one to examine the 
case, and give his opinion. 

DANGERS OF ABORTION. 

It has already been said that the danger increases as preg- 
nancy advances. 

If the foetus and after-birth have been expelled with but 
little hemorrhage at or after the occurrence, the mother may 
recover without any danger to herself; but, if some portions 
of the foetus or after-birth are retained, they may either 
cause inflammation of the uterus, or pass off shortly after- 
wards in a putrified solution, unattended with any disturb- 
ance of the system, or go to the end of the term of preg- 
nancy before being expelled. 

In criminal abortion, however, when violent mechanical 
or medicinal means have been used to produce miscarriage, 



AB OR TION. — THE A TMEN T. 97 

the injuries to the womb may be of such a nature as to pro- 
duce inflammation, fever, and death. This we shall consid- 
er more at length hereafter. 

TREATMENT. 

In any and every case of threatened abortion, perfect rest 
and reclined position are absolutely necessary, sometimes for 
days, sometimes for months. The mind of the patient should 
be composed, and all interference on the part of the nurse or 
friends excluded. Let her lie in a horizontal but easy po- 
sition, on a spring or hair mattress, if possible. If she is 
inclined to " flood," give her cold drinks, iced lemonade, 
iced tea ; let her not move body or limbs. Give no stimu- 
lating or hot drinks. The coverings should be light and 
sufficient. The room, the house, in fact, should be quiet ; no 
hammering or stamping allowed. "So good or bad news 
should be brought to her that could cause her a. shock. 
Cheer her mind with hope. 

For abortion threatened by plethora (see " Plethora "). 

For abortion threatened by anaemia (see " Anaemia "). 

For abortion threatened by constipation (see "Consti- 
pation "). 

Ipecac. Ten drops of the tincture to a tumbler half full 
of water : one teaspoonful should be taken every hour or two 
upon any show of blood. If the discharge of blood is rather 
profuse, every half-hour, lengthening the intervals as the 
blood diminishes. The strength of Ipecac may be reduced 
to two or three drops to the same quantity of water, if the 
former produces nausea. 

Secale. Five drops of the tincture to a tumbler half full 
of water : one teaspoonful every hour for contracting and 
bearing-down pains ; and it may be taken in alternation 
with Ipecac, if blood is discharged. 

7 



98 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

Sabina. Prepared like Secale : should be taken in its place, 
in case the latter fails to remove the pains. 

Arnica. Prepared like Secale : alone or in alternation with 
one of the above remedies, if the casualty is produced by a 
fall or a blow. 

Ignatia. In place of Arnica, if mental disturbance or ner- 
vousness from fear or fright has produced the above symp- 
toms. 

If the pains become periodical, severe, constant, and the 
womb becomes hard under the hand at every pain, and re- 
laxes after every pain, constituting, in fact, labor-pains, 
threatening immediate miscarriage, twenty drops of Lauda- 
num in a table-spoonful of starch-water should be injected 
in the rectum and retained. If the pains do not stop in 
thirty minutes, give another of forty drops. Persons easily 
affected by opiates may commence with ten drops. 

This prescription seems rather unhomoeopathic, and I 
do not pretend that it is not so ; but, in pains suddenly 
brought on by neuralgia of the womb or some nervous irrita- 
bility, the paralyzing influence of the opium will stop the 
progress of those pains before they have brought on actual 
miscarriage. 

FLOODING. 

Profuse continuous flooding, imminently threatening the 
life of the mother on account of retained after-birth or other 
causes, may require immediate interference before the ar- 
rival of the medical man. In that case, the patient 
should take ten drops of the tincture of Secale in a table- 
spoonful of tvater every five, ten, or fifteen minutes, until 
the discharge is so much diminished that the danger is 
averted. 

It is better that the mother should lose the child (if it is 



CRIMINAL ABORTION. 99 

not already born) by the contractions produced by the Secale, 
than she should die herself. 

In case this is not sufficient, cloths wrung out in ice- 
water should be applied to the abdomen : if necessary, even 
pounded ice in a bag should be applied. 

If the blood gushes out in streams, pieces of sponge, or 
strips of cloth, handkerchief, or napkin, wet with cold water 
medicated with Hamamelis (if Hamamelis is not at hand, 
with vinegar), should be thrust within the vagina, high up, 
filling it up entirely, and left until the proper medical assist- 
tance is obtained. Raise the hips of the woman higher than 
the body and limbs, and keep her perfectly still. If she 
faints, give her to smell some salts of ammonia, camphor, or 
aromatic water ; but do not stimulate her with liquors, unless 
the pulse becomes unsteady and thread-like. Fainting gen- 
erally assists in stopping hemorrhages. 

Watch the patient, change the napkins every five minutes 
to ascertain the condition of things ; keep the patient very 
quiet, and send for the nearest doctor. 



CRIMINAL ABORTION. 
THE PHYSICIAN AND THE PATIENT. 

Society has established the custom, for the love of order 
and the good of all, that, in certain instances, it is dishon- 
or for woman to bear a child. It is grievous that there is 
not more charity among men, particularly as they are all 
liable to err ; it is grievous that woman, the more unfortu- 
nate of the two sexes, should have to bear the whole brunt 
of her neighbor's scorn ; and it is grievous that woman should 
be the least inclined to extend the hand of sympathy to her 
fallen sister. These grievous wrongs give the strongest ex- 
cuses that can be offered for daring to slay the unborn child. 
Still, the laws of God and the laws of man are explicit 



100 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

against the inducement of abortion ; and the duty of the 
physician is to save, not to kill. 

Poverty, widowhood, desertion, nor any thing, in fact, 
is a reason to justify the avoidance of those laws. Charity 
is a godly gift, and should be practised by frail humanity ; 
but sympathy has nothing to do with the violation of law. 
Towards God, enforced abortion is a sin 5 towards mankind, 
it is a crime. 

We will look at the question, first in its moral, then in 
its legal aspect. 

"God said, Let us make man in our image, after our 
likeness. So God created man in his own image, in the 
image of God created he him ; male and female created he 
them. So God blessed them, and God said unto them, 
Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth." 

As God created the first man, so he created all who fol- 
lowed. Who dares, then, to destroy the intent of God? 
And when does man become man ? Is he man only at pu- 
berty, at his birth, during his fifth month of utero-gestation, 
or from the moment that the germ bursts its shell to come into 
the womb ? Who can decide this ? The intent of God is 
from the beginning : therefore he who destroys the germ de- 
stroys the intent of God. Think of man deliberately lifting 
his hand, saying, " That shall not be which God hath willed" ! 

When does life begin ? Is it when the breath enters the 
child's lungs, or when the mother's blood enters his heart, 
or is it from the very moment, when, in obedience to the 
law of the great Creator, it is metamorphosed from inactive 
matter into a living mass, with an inherent power of growth ? 
— for there is no broken link in that chain of life. See 
how continuous, how steady, is the process thus commenced. 
It advances in and out of the uterus, until it shows a creature 
perfected after the image of God ; and until, at the age of 
twenty-five years, the work being complete, growth ceases, 
and the natural process of decay follows, bringing the body 



CRIMINAL ABORTION. 101 

to its threescore years and ten : and " dust returns to dust." 
Could any cunning interpretation change or divide this 
work of God ? 

He that plunges his hand into that hidden chamber, into 
that marvellous abode of God's creation ; he that feels for its 
helpless inhabitant, and deliberately wrests it from its fasten- 
ings to its mother, to throw it out like corruption; he that 
gives drugs with this vile intent ; he who uses the dumb in- 
struments of his diabolical skill, with cold steel piercing the 
envelope of that being just entering upon its career of life, — 
is a murderer in the first degree, — a cowardly, infamous mur- 
derer. Let him look up and see the eye of God upon him 
while he destroys that which God has ordained. 

All civilized nations have recognized the true nature of 
this crime, and have promulgated laws to bring the perpe- 
trators to severe punishment. In some countries, and even 
in some of our States, they make the unwarrantable fetal 
distinction of quick, and not quicJc : in others, they make no 
such unphysiological distinction, and punish the mother 
not only, but all those who directly or indirectly connive at 
and abet the attempt or accomplishment of the act. The 
wife, the husband, the doctor, the apothecary, the nurse, are 
liable to imprisonment and fine, if accessory to abortion. 

In Scotland, if a person gives a potion to produce abor- 
tion, and the woman dies in consequence, it is murder. 

In Austria, the perpetrator of this crime is punishable by 
imprisonment not less than fifteen, not more than thirty 
years; and is subject to be condemned to hard labor on the 
public works. When the father is an accessory, his punish- 
ment is greater. 

In this country, our legislatures are not behind the most 
civilized countries. Although they differ in the construction 
of their statutes against abortion, they all acknowledge the 
crime, and have promulgated laws for the punishment of di- 
rect and indirect offenders. 



102 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

The State of Indiana carries the palm in the construction 
of her statute against abortion. Like the English statute, 
that of Indiana punishes the attempt at abortion y without 
even requiring a proof of pregnancy. 

The legislatures of the various States, however, should 
revise their statutes in regard to this crime, and insert the 
following recommendation of The Suffolk District Medical 
Society of Massachusetts : — 

"Whoever, with intent to cause and procure the miscar- 
riage of a woman, shall sell, give, or administer to her, pre- 
scribe for her, or advise or direct or cause or procure 
her to take, any medicine or drugs or substance whatever, 
with the like intent, unless the same shall have been neces- 
sary to preserve the life of such woman or of her unborn 
child, and shall have been so pronounced (in consultation) 
by two competent physicians ; and any person, with the like 
intent, knowingly aiding and assisting such offender or offend- 
ers, — shall be guilty of felony, &c. : and if such offence 
shall have been committed by a physician or surgeon, or 
person claiming to be such, or by a midwife, nurse, or drug- 
gist, such punishment may be increased at the discretion of 
the court. 

" Every woman who shall solicit, purchase, or obtain of 
any person, or in any other way procure or receive any 
medicine, drug, or substance whatever, or shall commit any 
operation or violence upon herself, with intent thereby to 
produce a miscarriage, unless the same shall have been by 
two competent physicians, &c, the punishment may be in- 
creased at the discretion of the court," &c. 

PAINS. 

The previous chapters having considered pains in connec- 
tion with miscarriage, it should not be supposed that all 
pains during the progress of pregnancy necessarily are symp- 



PAINS. 103 

tomatic of abortion. Pregnant women are subject to such 
pains during one period or another of their pregnancy, with- 
out the slightest intimation of any serious disorder. The 
pains in the back, abdomen, legs, and thighs, are often pro- 
duced by some nervous irritability ; sometimes due to the 
process of distension of the womb ; sometimes to colic ; some- 
times to pressure upon certain nerves. Some pathologists 
contend, that, in almost every case, these pains are neuralgic. 
The fact is, there is not a woman, who, during her pregnan- 
cy, will not be annoyed by some of these pains. They are 
generally transient and irregular, worse when the patient is 
in motion or standing, or at the slightest movement of the 
child. In the latter months of pregnancy, there can be no 
doubt that the pressure and weight of the womb may cause 
pain and distress of the bladder, pain and cramps of the 
thighs. Pains in the back may be due sometimes to slight 
deviations of the womb, as tilting backward or forward. 
Pains from rheumatism of the womb are of more serious 
nature. 

These may simulate labor-pains, and may even threaten 
miscarriage from their severity. 

It is necessary to recognize these at once ; for to mistake 
them for labor-pains would not only prevent the adoption of 
the curative treatment they require, but might lead the pa- 
tient into grave errors. 

The principal feature of uterine pains from rheumatism 
of the womb is, that the part becomes so tender and sensi- 
tive as to be not even able to bear the clothes, still less, any 
pressure made by placing the hand on the abdomen. Dur- 
ing the intermission of pain in labor, the abdomen is not 
sensitive to slight pressure. In labor-pains, you may rub the 
abdomen, but not so in rheumatism, without creating ago- 
nizing pain. Another distinguishing sign is, that the rheu- 
matic-uterine pains are generally accompanied by pains 
elsewhere : sometimes they will even leave the womb for an- 



104 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

other organ or a limb, or leave these to attack the womb. 
"When this is the case, there can be no doubt in prognosti- 
cating rheumatism. 

Again : these pains may be traced to checked perspiration, 
exposure to cold or dampness, inadequate clothing, or some 
inadvertent change from a high to a low^ temperature. 

The pain in rheumatism is almost always constant : there 
is a dragging sensation, whether seated or standing ; the 
pains extend generally from the back, down the thighs, in 
the external genital organs, vagina, and bladder. The slight- 
est touch of the vagina may cause the most acute suffering. 

The attack may be ushered in by a chill followed by fe- 
ver, pain, restlessness, thirst; the pulse becomes rapid 
and hard, the face flushed, the skin hot, probably followed 
by sour perspiration ; the tongue is hot and dry. All these 
symptoms may moderate with the pains, but are apt to re- 
turn in aggravated forms, unless checked by proper treat- 
ment. 

It is not difficult to conceive, that the violence of an at- 
tack of uterine rheumatism may threaten the patient with 
imminent miscarriage. 

Rheumatism of the womb during labor increases the suffer- 
ings of the patient a hundred-fold ; and its influence is to 
retard the progress of delivery. 

Neuralgic Pains (see " Neuralgic Headache") may be 
seated in the womb. The distinguishing feature of this pain 
is, that it is generally confined to a circumscribed spot, some- 
times to a spot no larger than a shilling. It may suddenly 
pass from the womb to the bladder, from the bladder to the 
thighs or elsewhere ; but very rarely is it found in two dif- 
ferent spots at the same time. When it occupies the womb, 
it may cause such contractions as to need immediate medical 
interference to prevent abortion. When it occupies the blad- 
der, it causes agonizing suffering, and also an intense desire 
to pass water without, the ability of doing so. Neuralgic 



PAINS. 105 

pains are also ; almost without exception, accompanied by an 
immense flow of urine of a very light color. The pains are 
not constant, and have complete remissions. All the above 
symptoms, and the absence of fever, thirst, and perspiration, 
would sufficiently distinguish them from the pains of rheu- 
matism of the womb. 

TREATMENT. 

Allopathic physicians treat these pains generally with 
external applications of blisters, opiates, or subcutaneous in- 
jections of morphine. They apply leeches, and often bleed 
at the arm. 

External frictions with the hand are sometimes very sooth- 
ing to the back or limbs : on the abdomen, they should be 
avoided. In pain of the bladder, hot fomentations give great 
relief. A cold wet compress on the back, well covered with 
flannel, will sometimes give great ease. 

For rheumatic pains, nothing will give as much relief as 
a silk blanket wrapped around the naked body : if a silk blan- 
ket is not at hand, use an old silk skirt. 

Staphisagria (3d). Will cure Crick in the back from a 
cold. 

Sepia (3d and 30th). Painful weariness in the small of 
the back, particularly if accompanied by leucorrhoeal dis- 
charge. 

JJux (3d). Pain in the back as if bruised, particularly if 
accompanied by flatulence, constipation, or piles. 

Bryonia (3d). If generally rheumatic from a fresh cold 
or exposure to dampness. 

Aconite and Bryonia. Alternately every hour or two, if 
the rheumatic pains are accompanied by fever, thirst, and 
perspiration. 



106 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

Rhus. In place of Bryonia, if the rheumatic pains are 
confined to the lower limbs. 

Aconite and Belladonna. If the pains are very severe, 
located in the uterus or bladder. 

Belladonna. May be used alone in purely neuralgic pains 
of the womb or bladder. 

Dr. Peters suggests outward application of a cloth dipped 
in the pure tincture of the root of Aconite, for violent rheu- 
matic pains of the womb and bladder. 

If the pains are so severe as to threaten immediate abor- 
tion, if the abdominal tumor grows hard under your hand 
during these pains, thirty drops of Laudanum in a table- 
spoonful of starch-water should be injected and retained in 
the rectum. In an hour, this may be repeated if the pains 
and contractions of the womb have not subsided. A phy- 
sician should be called to attend, however. 



VAKICOSE VEINS. 

An enlargement of the veins, so that they sometimes stand 
out like knotted cords, is the condition called varicose. In 
pregnancy, the pressure of the womb, particularly during the 
last months, on the trunk of large veins, impeding the flow 
of the venous blood upwards, causes the veins to become so 
clogged up, that they expand, until they become as large as 
fingers. The lower limbs are generally the seat of the diffi- 
culty ; but sometimes even the vagina becomes thus affected. 

TREATMENT. 

Make a solution of one teaspoonful of tincture of Hama- 
melis to a tumblerful of water, and bathe your limbs with 
it morning and evening. 



DROPSY. 107 

Then take a roller of cotton, if you have not an India-rub- 
ber stocking, and bandage the limbs snugly from the toes 
upwards beyond the seat of the difficulty. 



DEOPSY 

Is the general term for any effusion of water in the cavity 
of the abdomen or of the chest, or in the skin of the limbs 
and head. 

When water collects in the abdomen, it is called As- 
cites ; .when it collects in the chest, Hydrothorax ; when in 
the limbs, (Edema of the limbs ; when it extends all over 
the body or several parts of the body at the same time, it is 
called Anasarca, or general dropsy. 

Women, when pregnant, are peculiarly liable to dropsical 
effusions, and to dropsy of the lower limbs, in particular. 
This seems to be induced by the pressure of the womb upon 
the surrounding parts, and also by the obstruction it causes 
in the circulation of the lungs 5 preventing a perfect arte- 
rialization of the blood. 

(Edema of the limbs generally makes its appearance 
within the last three months of pregnancy, especially when 
it is due only to the pressure of the womb. The progress 
of this dropsy is slow : it generally begins at the feet, rising 
higher and higher, until it invades ankle, leg, and thigh. 
This infiltration of fluid within the cellular tissue under the 
skin may increase to such an extent as to cause great in- 
convenience to the patient, so that she will not even be able 
to walk, and her limbs look as if they would burst at any 
moment. 

This dropsy is not dangerous, and disappears almost im- 
mediately after the birth of the child. 

When dropsy is general, however, and the face, eyes, and 
hands are invaded, it becomes sufficiently serious for the 



108 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

patient to inquire into its nature. This condition may be 
caused by a disease called Albuminuria, which, is sug- 
gestive of very alarming disorders, — Convulsions, Paralysis, 
Amaurosis, Bright' s Disease, &c. It is not the scope of this 
work to go into scientific disquisitions about disease : there- 
fore I will limit myself to what I consider useful to the 
patient to know, and say to him or to her that Albuminuria 
is a disease in which the albumen of the blood, instead of 
going to supply muscles, &c., finds its way out through the 
kidneys. To deprive the blood of this constituent is to de- 
prive the body of nourishment, and of one of the elements 
necessary to the development of the child, and also to produce 
such changes as to disorder other organs and the nervous sys- 
tem in a manner to sometimes bring on convulsions, paraly- 
sis, &c. It is, therefore, a serious malady, needing the assist- 
ance of the most accomplished medical men. In order that the 
patient, under the appearance of general dropsy, may have 
it in her power to detect the much dreaded albumen in the 
blood, she should know the means of testing her own urine. 

Take a tumbler, or a vial, nearly full of the urine passed 
before breakfast ; then allow a few drops of nitric acid to 
flow down the sides of the glass : if the urine contains albu- 
men, the acid will coagulate it, and the coagulum will fall 
down to the bottom of the glass, like the white of egg half 
worked. If the above test is not satisfactory to the patient, 
let her take a glass tube as large as a finger ; fill it up with 
urine passed at the same time as the other ; expose it to heat 
until it boils : if it contains albumen, there will be a cloud 
formed in the urine, which will soon precipitate to the bot- 
tom. When this is the case, the patient should apply to a 
scientific physician without delay. 

Dropsy from Albuminuria is also often attended with 
headache, pain in the pit of the stomach, and severe bilious 
vomitings, troubled vision and hearing : when this is the 
case, it requires particular attention. 



DROPSY. 109 

In the paragraph on " Plethora and Anaemia," I have men- 
tioned dropsy from " Serous Plethora," which the patient 
suffering from dropsy should peruse. 

When Ascites, or dropsy of the abdomen, occurs, it com- 
plicates pregnancy in a manner to require immediate 
interference of the physician, else the distention may be- 
come so great as to force abortion. 

Coma, or sleepiness, is a symptom of great importance 
when it accompanies general dropsy ; for although it may 
exist when there is but little dropsy, and may not occur 
when dropsy is present in a very great degree, yet, when 
the two are concomitant, they may result in complete coma 
and convulsions. 

Physiologists advance also the theory, that the cause of 
convulsions is due to urea retained or decomposed in the 
blood ; and that this is caused by the presence of Carbonate 
of Ammonia. Whether this is true or not, it should serve, 
however, as a caution against the use of hartshorn, or 
smelling-salts containing ammonia, in cases of headaches 
or faintings, or for any thing else, when dropsy is present. 

TREATMENT. 

Frictions of the limbs upwards, keeping the limbs raised 
on a chair. Frictions of sweet oil or glycerine will render 
the skin more pliable, and prevent its cracking. Use vapor- 
baths or warm baths. Women who have a tendency to 
rush of blood to the head should not use vapor-baths, 
however. If the distention of the skin is excessive, or the 
private parts are invaded, small punctures with a lancet or 
a needle will let out water enough to give great relief. 
Some benefit has been received from the application of 
cold, wet compresses to the limbs for several days. Dr. 
Peters suggests that the woman suffering from general 
dropsy should lie upon her face or sides, never upon her 
back. 



110 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

Apis, from the 1st to the 200th dilution, is recommended 
as.the most efficient remedy in all dropsies. This should 
be tried first. Six globules every three hours. 

Arsenicum, from the 3d to the 200th dilution, particularly 
in cases where there is great prostration and emaciation, and 
the expression is pallid and sickly ; the urine is scanty, 
dark, turbid, or slimy ; general coldness and dryness of the 
skin ; pulse small, feeble and intermittent ; palpitation of 
the heart ; turns of faintness ; difficulty of breathing ; rest- 
lessness ; watery diarrhoea ; worse after eating, and on lying 
down. Six globules every three hours. 

China. In dropsy following a long disease, which has left 
the patient very weak, pale, and prostrated. 

Doses of the above : One drop of the tincture in a tea- 
spoonful of water every three hours. 

Kali Hydriodicum (1st trituration). For persons whose 
glands are easily enlarged, and in women who have been 
addicted to retention of the menses. Two-grain doses every 
three hours. 

Mercurius Corrosivus ( 3d trituration ) is extolled by Dr. 
Peters in dropsy from Bright's Disease. One grain three 
times a day. 

Digitalis is particularly useful in dropsy dependent upon 
irritability of the heart, causing great palpitations, and even 
thumping : the heart feels as if in the throat. One drop 
of the first dilution every two hours. 

Dropsy being generally a complicated disease, the pa- 
tient should not trust long to her own selection of remedies, 
but should apply to her physician : for that reason, I give but 
few of the principal remedies 



FALSE WATERS. Ill 



FALSE WATERS (Hydrorrhcea). 

» 
This consists in the occasional discharge of water from 

the vagina by the pregnant female, but which is neither 
preceded nor followed by any uterine contractions, nor mis- 
carriage ; nor does it seem to interfere with the regular and 
normal course of pregnancy. 

These discharges are called false waters, from the fact, 
that, although such discharges during natural labor or 
miscarriage generally indicate the breaking of the bag 
of waters, in this case, they do not mean any thing of the 
kind. 

The distinguishing feature of these discharges, wherein 
they differ from those threatening abortion, is, that in the 
latter they are accompanied by uterine pains, while in the 
former they are not. 

The color of this water is usually a little yellowish, very 
limpid, sometimes tinged with blood, and may pass in great 
quantity. 

These waters may be the oozing-out of the fluid from 
a superabundance within the membranes surrounding the 
child, and probably by an exudation from the walls of the 
womb. The quantities that come out suddenly, at times, can 
only be explained by the supposition that they had found a 
lodging-place within the cavity of the uterus, but that, the 
capability of the womb to retain being inadequate to their 
increase, they are suddenly pressed out 5 thus leaving room 
for further accumulations. 

TREATMENT. 

Perfect rest during the occurrence, and an injection, to be 
retained in the rectum, of fifteen to twenty drops of lauda- 
num in a tablespoonful of starch- water, if the discharges ex- 
cite pains. 



112 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 



LEUCOKRHCEA (Whites). 

Few are the women entirely free from this malady, and 
many are its causes ; but it will here be considered only as 
it affects pregnant females. 

Leucorrhcea is a very common disorder amongst women 
during the period of pregnancy. The discharge, which is 
sometimes white, and sometimes of a yellowish-green color, 
usually makes its appearance during the second month of 
pregnancy; though some women are affected even be- 
fore. 

This discharge is often accompanied by a great irrita- 
tion of the vagina, sometimes actual inflammation. It may 
become so abundant as to cause prostration, and even to 
re-act upon the stomach, causing pains, disturbance of ap- 
petite, and vomiting. 

This affection, when of an acrid character, may be the 
cause of the most distressing, intolerable itching of the soft 
parts. A profusion of small vesicles may appear on the in- 
ternal surface of the labiae (or lips of the external part), 
which burst, and cause excoriations that render walking 
very painful. 

Although a very troublesome and disagreeable disease, it 
is not attended with danger to the progress of pregnancy, 
unless it comes from extensive ulcerations of the womb. 

TREATMENT. 

Frequent washing of the external parts, and of the vagina, 
is indispensable : it should be done even two and three times 
a day. 

The patient should be careful not to use any medicated 
washes without the advice of her physician. Castile-soap 
and water is the best for cleanliness of the external parts ; 
and, for injections of the vagina, the water injected should 



LEUCORRHCEA. — DISPLACEMENTS. 113 

be lukewarm, so as to prevent a shock to the womb, unless 
otherwise ordered by the physician. 

The external parts may be safely washed with Lead- Water, 
to allay itching and irritation. 

The patient may derive comfort also by keeping the labiae 
separated by the introduction of a fine piece of linen, wet 
in the lead-water : if that is retained, it will prevent friction 
and pain in walking. 

Sepia (30th). Is an excellent internal remedy for yellow- 
ish greenish, fetid or corrosive discharges, whether attended 
or not with bearing-down sensations. 

Calcarea (30th). If the discharge is white and corrosive, 
particularly in women of lymphatic constitution, light com- 
plexion. 

Sulphur (30th). For chronic cases of leucorrhoea, attended 
by yellowish, burning, corrosive, and particularly, after re- 
pelled eruptions. 

If the external parts are painful, a decoction of Poppy- 
Heads, four ounces to four pints of water, may be applied, 
warm or cold, with great relief to the patient. 



DISEASES OF THE WOMB AFFECTING PREGNANCY. 
DISPLACEMENTS. 

Prolapsus of the ivomb (see " Anatomy of the Womb ") 
may occur during pregnancy : it may come on suddenly or 
gradually, although the patient may never have been thus 
affected. During the first two months, there is a normal 
descent of the womb ; but, at the third month, it rises, and 
pregnancy goes on undisturbed. 

In aggravated cases, the prolapsus has not only continued, 
but increased, and the neck of the womb emerged from the 
8 



114 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

vulva. Gazeaux relates the case of a woman under his 
charge ; who, while pregnant, had such a prolapsus, that the 
lower part of the womb projected from the vulva so as to 
constitute a tumor five inches in circumference. All efforts 
to reduce it were fruitless. She was kept in bed ; and, at the 
proper time, she gave birth to a living child without acci- 
dent to herself. 

Prolapsus of the womb will cause great distress and dis- 
turbance 5 the bladder, being pressed upon, causes dangerous 
retention of the urine ; and the rectum may be so interfered 
with as to make it impossible for the patient to have a nat- 
ural evacuation. 

Retroversion : this may be brought on by habitual con- 
stipation, and even by severe retching or vomiting, or by 
great straining at stool or in urinating. It may be caused 
also by a woman retaining her urine too long : the bladder 
distends, and presses the womb backwards. 

Anteversion is very rare in the early stages, but may oc- 
cur after the fourth and fifth month, particularly in patients 
who have been subject to it before pregnancy. This may be 
caused by allowing impacted faeces to remain in the rectum ; 
thus thrusting the womb forward. 

Lateral obliquities occur very rarely ; but they are not of 
so much importance, as they scarcely interfere with rectum 
or bladder. 

These displacements during pregnancy are of the greatest 
importance : for they are liable to bring about premature la- 
bor ; inflammation of the bladder 5 strictures of the urethra, 
so as to render the patient powerless in passing water ; in- 
flammation or stoppage of the rectum, as to incapacitate the 
woman from evacuating her bowels at all. But their impor- 
tance is greater in the anticipated labor. Serious, indeed 
friglvtful } may be the consequence of such displacements in 
labor. 

Therefore; whenever the pregnant woman experiences great 



ULCERATIONS OF THE WOMB. 115 

difficulty in passing water, or in passing the contents of her 
bowels through the rectum ; whenever she feels bearing-down 
sensations, or feels as if every thing would fall out ; whenever 
she experiences great pain in the back, and pressure back- 
ward or forward, — she should consult a physician without 
delay. 

All that is to be done in such cases should be done by an 
experienced physician ; and therefore I will refrain from 
suggesting any treatment or advice, except that of keeping 
at rest, on the back, keeping the bowels open, and not going 
too long without passing water. 

The origin of these disorders may date from the earliest 
periods of girlhood. These displacements are more common 
among that class of people called " genteel ; " and they are 
principally owing to unsuitable dressing and habitual consti- 
pation. (See articles on " Dress of Girls," and " Constipa- 
tion.") 

ULCERATIONS OF THE WOMB. 

Ulcerations do not often seriously affect pregnancy, unless 
they are of a malignant character. They may keep up 
some sanguinolent leucorrhcea; cause some sympathetic 
pains of the back : but, while pregnant, the patient would 
better let them alone. The woman may, very properly, have 
the mouth of the womb examined by an experienced phy- 
sician in order to see if the ulceration is of a very virulent 
and malignant character. If not, and the physician should, 
nevertheless, advise local treatment, decline ; for the several 
introductions of the speculum, and the applications to the 
ulcers, may be sufficient to bring on miscarriage. Thousands 
are the women who have gone through a term of pregnancy 
with no accident whatever, having an ulcerated neck of the 
womb ; although there are authors who give it as their opin- 
ion that such affections are very frequently the cause of diffi- 
cult labors, obstinate vomitings, abortions, and hemorrhage. 



116 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB. 

During pregnancy, more frequently than in the unimpreg- 
nated state, the womb, or some part of it, is liable to in- 
flammation. 

The patient feels a very severe, constant pain, or stitch, 
in some parts of the womb : the spot is tender on pressure, 
which tenderness is increased by walking, and by the 
movements of the child. What distinguishes this pain 
from one dependent upon rheumatism of the womb, is, that 
it does not come on in paroxysms. The patient has 
fever ; the pulse is quick, skin hot ; thirst and vomiting is 
present. 

This affection may terminate without trouble, but may 
cause adhesion of the after-birth to the womb, giving con- 
siderable trouble during labor. 

TREATMENT. 

Send for the physician if possible : if he is not accessible, 
use the following : — 

Take some tincture of the Root of Aconite, and apply it 
externally, by means of cloths, to the region inflamed. — 
Peters. 

Belladonna and Aconite, alternately, should be taken every 
hour internally. 

IRRITABILITY OF THE WOMB. — FALSE PAINS. 

During the last month or two, the womb is often irritated 
by the severe pressure and expansion, causing pains simu- 
lating labor-pains. The patient is frightened lest labor be- 
comes imminent ; but she can easily distinguish these u false 
pains " from true labor-pains by placing her hand on the 
abdomen, and feeling, that^ during a pain, the tumor under 
the hand does not become hard and contracted. 



INCONTINENCE AND RETENTION OF URINE. 117 
TREATMENT. 

Quiet is important. 

Secale or Pulsatilla may relieve. 

From the 3d to the 30th, six globules every two hours. 

RIGIDITY AND LAXITY OF. THE ABDOMEN. 

In young, strong women, the abdomen may be very rigid 
and unyielding during their first pregnancy. It may be so 
to the extent of pressing every thing backwards ; thus exert- 
ing a dangerous pressure upon the kidneys, which, when 
interfered with in their functions, are liable to bring about 
dropsy and albuminuria. 

In women who have borne many children, the abdomen 
becomes very much relaxed, falling forward and downward, 
making a pendulous abdomen, to their great discomfort. 
When such is the case, they should wear an abdominal sup- 
porter, which will relieve the patient instantly of many 
unpleasant feelings, and enable her to walk with ease. 

Where there is rigidity, frictions of sweet olive-oil 01 
glycerine over the abdomen may be very useful in relaxing 
it. 

INCONTINENCE AND KETENTION OF URINE. 

During the early months of pregnancy, when the womb 
descends a little, and when so much blood is called to the 
genitals, the patient may be tormented with a constant and 
painful desire to urinate, passing water in little quantities, 
with a kind of disagreeable straining at the neck of the 
bladder. The desire may be so urgent, that, in case the 
female has no opportunity to gratify it, she may pass 
the water involuntarily. 

Later, when the uterus becomes very voluminous, the 



118 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

same state of things may occur from pressure. The pressure 
may be so great as to induce even the opposite extreme, re- 
tention, which is by far the most alarming. 

In prolapsus, anteversion, or retroversion (see their re- 
spective chapters), this inconvenience becomes much greater, 
and dangerous. If the fundus of the womb falls upon the 
bladder, the pressure will cause a constant desire to make 
water, and may even cause paralysis of the bladder, so as to 
make it impossible for the patient to retain her urine. 

Again : if the neck of the womb falls forward, it may ob- 
struct the urethra so as to make it impossible for the patient 
to empty her bladder. In this case, it becomes imperative 
for the patient to call the assistance of the physician to 
draw the water, lest the bladder become so distended as to 
throw the fundus of the womb against the rectum, and com- 
plicate the difficulty in the most serious manner. Besides, 
if the bladder is not emptied within a reasonable time, in- 
flammation may ensue, which will place the patient in great 
danger. 

At the commencement of labor, retention of urine is still 
more dangerous ; for the powerful throes of the womb may 
press the bladder down in the vagina, exposing it to immedi- 
ate compressions and contusions, which may result in great 
danger : it would certainly retard labor, or render it almost 
impossible ; and the compression would excite an inflamma- 
tion, which would result in sloughing and perforation, and all 
the painful consequences of a vesico-vaginal fistula. 

Let the patient in labor, then, bear it in mind to void her 
urine during the earliest stages of labor, and every time that 
she has the slightest inclination. Should she feel her blad- 
der to be full, with disability of passing the urine, let her 
send for her physician with a peremptory message, explain- 
ing to him her reasons for so doing. 

These retentions may be temporarily caused by an irrita- 
bility of the nerves of the urethra, in which the application 



RETENTION OF URINE. 119 

of cloths steeped in hot water, or even a warm sitz-bath, 
may enable the patient to pass water in a few minutes. 
The presence of piles may occasion this difficulty, in which 
case the patient, by putting her thumb in the vagina, and 
pressing the tumor of the piles backward, may enable her- 
self to empty her bladder. 

But, whenever incontinence or retention of urine is con- 
stant, she should acquaint her physician of the fact ; for it 
may be the means of his detecting displacements that he 
can remedy. 

TREATMENT. 

Medicines are, of course, useless when either of those 
disorders are produced by mechanical obstructions, such as 
pressure from displacements of the womb. If it is induced 
by piles, these must be treated and reduced (see "Piles"), 
before she can obtain relief. 

Cantharides (3d). Six globules every hour should be given, 
when the urine passes by drops or by jerks, with burning 
and scalding sensations. 

Belladonna. For nervous retention of urine, accompanied 
by tenesmus (straining) ; also when caused by violent neu- 
ralgic pains. Dose the same as Cantharides. 

tfux Vom. If the bladder seems paralyzed ; the water 
passes involuntarily without any pain; particularly if 
accompanied by constipation or piles. Dose as above. 

If Cantharides relieves the retention, but leaves some 
irritation and inflammation, follow it up by Cannabis Sat. 
This should be used strong : ten drops of the tincture to ten 
teaspoonfuls of water, one teaspoonful every hour. 

Caution. In retention of urine, through ignorance of the 



120 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

causes your friends may suggest some diuretics, such as 
sweet spirits of nitre, gin, juniper, water-melon-seed-tea, &c. 
Such treatment icould only increase the difficulty; for the 
bladder contains too much water already, and those remedies 
would increase it. I mention this, because it has happened 
to several of my patients greatly to their regret. 

In regard to urinary difficulties, read further chapters on 
" Dropsy " and " Albuminuria." 



PALSY (Paralysis). AMAUROSIS (Disturbed Vision). 
DEAFNESS. 

These three diseases are grouped, because, according to 
pathologists, they seem to depend upon the same cause in 
pregnancy. (See "Albuminuria.") 

Paralysis is partial ; for complete general paralysis would 
cause instant death. 

Pregnant women are peculiarity liable to these partial 
paralyses. 

They are designated by different names, according to 
location : thus, paralysis of the face, facial paralysis * 
paralysis of one side, hemiplegia; paralysis of the lower 
half of the body, paraplegia ; &c. 

Palsy may occur during pregnancy, during or after labor ; 
but it occurs oftener during the latter months. 

Amaurosis (impaired vision). The patient may sud- 
denly or gradually be taken with partial or complete loss 
of vision of one eye : sometimes both eyes are affected at 
the same fime. Sometimes it may be a mere obfuscation ; 
again, the patient may see black spots flying before them. 
This affection may also occur before, during, or after 
labor. 

Deafness may, like amaurosis, affect one or both organs 
of the hearing. It may be very slight, and noises and roar- 



PALSY. — AMA UROSIS. — DEAFNESS. 121 

ing may be heard. This may come on periodically, or it may 
intermit, or remain permanent. Buzzing in the ears and 
deafness are often the precursors of convulsions. 

Albuminuria and uroemia seem almost always to be con- 
nected with the above disturbances. 

Facial paralysis is almost always connected with amau- 
rosis and deafness ; for the same nerves that are affected 
by the one are affected by the others. 

Hemiplegia, which is of more common occurrence, be- 
sides depending upon albuminuria and uroemia, may depend 
upon cerebral apoplexy, or upon anaemia. (See " Plethora " 
and "Anaemia.") 

Paraplegia, besides the causes already mentioned, may 
be occasioned by the pressure of the fetal head upon the 
nerves of the pelvic cavity. 

These diseases generally get well in a little while, partic- 
ularly after labor. There are instances, however, of perma- 
nent injury. 

TREATMENT. 

For paralysis depending upon albuminuria or uroemia, the 
most experienced physician should be consulted. For pa- 
ralysis from pressure, patience is the best medicine ; as, in 
proper time, the patient will be delivered of both child and 
disease. 

For paralysis connected with amaurosis or deafness, evi- 
dently dependent upon an apoplectic condition, that is, upon 
determination of blood to the head, Belladonna should be 
taken until the black spots before the eyes, the buzzing and 
noises in the ears, are passed away. Then for the remaining 
paralysis, Plumbum should be taken for a week, and, if the 
patient is not better, Nux should be taken for another week. 

If the paralysis is caused by weakness or extreme anosmia, 
China, Arsenicum, Phosphoric Acid, may relieve it. 

Electricity will be of great benefit in paralysis after 



122 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

labor, not before; for the electric shock may produce abor- 
tion. 

Brisk frictions with the hand, or cloths wet with cold wa- 
ter, may be useful. 



INTELLECTUAL DISORDERS.— INSANITY. 

Mental aberrations of the intellectual and sensorial facul- 
ties are not uncommon in pregnant females. Hypochondria, 
hallucinations, fears, are phases of them. (See "Mental 
Disorders.") A woman who has loved her husband may now 
conceive a great antipathy for him. She may conceive the 
same antipathy for her children, or for any relation or friend. 

These disorders of the intellectual faculties may proceed 
even to insanity. Actual insanity, however, is more com- 
mon during and after labor than before. The mother may 
attempt the life of her infant, or she may abhor the very 
sight of it. This insanity is only temporary : very rarely 
has it become permanent. 

The medical treatment of insanity should be left to a 
skilful physician. For moral and mental treatment, see 
" Mental Disorders." 

CONVULSIONS. 

This is probably the most formidable liability of the 
puerperal woman. It does not occur very often, fortunate- 
ly ; probably not oftener than at an average of one in four 
hundred ; and, when it is thought to occur, it is often con- 
founded with hysteria or catalepsy, neither of which are fatal 
in their nature. 

Puerperal convulsions are very unusual in the early 
months of pregnancy. They may appear in the latter 
months ; but they are more frequent during parturition, and 
after delivery. 



CONVULSIONS. 123 

Amongst the causes, albuminuria and uroemia have been 
mentioned under their respective chapters. 

During labor, the powerful efforts on the part of the womb 
may occasion an excitement of the nervous system, which, 
being transmitted to the spinal cord, may induce convul- 
sions. 

A great distention of the intestinal canal from incarce- 
rated wind, constipation, impacted faeces, a great distension 
of the stomach from indigestible food, a heavy repast, reten- 
tion of urine with great distention of the bladder, the use of 
tight garments, the abuse of spirituous liquors, immoderate 
sexual intercourse, the suppression of habitual discharges 
as bleeding piles, too much sleep, want of sleep, want of 
exercise, confinement to crowded rooms, anger, jealousy, dis- 
appointments, &c, are all predisposing causes to these con- 
vulsions. 

The precursory symptoms, according to Gazeaux, are the 
following : — 

The patient is agitated, easily excited, impatient, and irri- 
table ; she experiences a difficulty of breathing, and an ex- 
ceedingly poignant and acute pain in the head ; the pain 
seems to be fixed in a circumscribed spot. This pain in the 
head, which is not at all amenable to treatment, is the most 
important diagnostic sign. 

The primary symptoms increase in violence, and the 
mind becomes affected by them. The vision becomes af- 
fected, the sight obscured ; the patient may see only the 
half of an object placed before her eyes ; the hearing be- 
comes less distinct ; the patient becomes stupidly indiffer- 
ent; her features are immovable, or appear sunken; she 
can be aroused only with difficulty ; scarcely comprehends ; 
replies incoherently ; then she sinks back into her stupid 
state. 

In plethoric women, the pulse is full, slow, and hard; the 
face flushed and Animated. In Anasarca, on the contrary 



124 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

(see "Plethora " and " Anasarca"), the pulse is small, hard, 
and contracted ; the face pale ; the skin cold. 

From this, she may go into the actual convulsive condition, 
gradually or suddenly. When gradually, one notices little 
tremors of the muscles of the face ; the eyelids wink rapid- 
ly ; the balls of the eyes roll upward ; the nostrils dilate ; 
the corners of the mouth become distorted ; finally the look 
becomes completely fixed ; the jaws are tight ; foam is 
breathed out of her mouth. This state may be followed by 
a spasm, drawing her face or head on one side. The face 
is congested, swollen, and acquires a bluish, livid hue. The 
limbs may be very much or very little convulsed. 

In general, the first fit is of short duration, and not 
very violent : but, in most cases, the fits are repeated fre- 
quently ; and the symptoms become more and more frightful 
in appearance as they are renewed. 

The duration of an attack is variable : it may last from 
one minute to two and three hours. 

During the interval, the patient at first may return to her- 
self, and look around, astonished at the commotion. After 
repeated attacks, however, she is left in a comatose state, 
which becomes deeper and deeper after every one. She 
becomes perfectly insensible to sounds or to touch. Even 
this comatose condition may pass off: she may regain some 
of her faculties. 

When the patient is going to get well, the convulsions 
become less severe, the intervals much longer. All her 
faculties gradually return. Memory is the last to be re- 
gained. 

When the attacks last longer, and at each time the symp- 
toms grow more severe, all hopes to save the patient are only 
illusory. 

In Hysteria, which is often confounded with puerperal 
convulsions, there is an alteration, but never a total abolition, 
pf the intellectual powers 5 indeed, the sensorial faculties 



CONVULSIONS. 125 

seem to become more acute. There is no coma after the fit. 
There is a continual tendency to change the position, and 
the patient may writhe with violence: it may require even 
considerable force to retain her in bed. Again : the hys- 
terical paroxysm is almost always preceded by a sensation 
as if a ball were rising in the throat; and the patient grasps 
with violence the throat, as if attempting to relieve herself 
of the choking. There is no frothing at the mouth ; and 
the pulse may be perfectly normal. 

Epilepsy, also, may be confused with puerperal convul- 
sions : but the former history of the woman may be a guide ; 
for, in that case, epilepsy has generally occurred before. 

Tetanus has the distinguishing feature that the convul- 
sive rigidity of the limbs is constant and continued. 

Catalepsy represents a state of peculiar immobility. 

Apoplexy is not preceded by convulsive movements : the 
limbs are relaxed, but have lost their sensibility and mobility. 

Dr. Meigs, treating of this disease, says, " It is a malady 
that is not met with every day ; but it is one so horrible in 
its appearance, so deadly in its tendency, so embarrassing 
sometimes in its treatment, that, although it is not met with 
every day, it is solicitously expected, and probably obviated 
in many a case, which, but for such careful supervision, 
would swell its proportions in the statistical tables. 

Women with short necks ; those who are fat ; those who 
possess considerable muscular strength ; those whose tis- 
sues are firm, solid, hard, and unyielding ; those that are of 
a sanguine, nervous temperament ; those who have swollen 
feet, hands, and features ; and such as, upon walking in the 
morning, complain of numbness in the hands ; those who are 
affected with a feeling of great weakness, or with loss of 
sensation in one side of the face or in one of the members ; 
those who have suddenly lost their hearing ; those who have 
vertigo, headache, flashes of light within the eyes, dim- 



126 MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. 

ness of sight, double vision or half-sight ; those who have 
sudden loud noises in the ears ; and such as feel as if a vio- 
lent blow had been received upon the head ; those, further- 
more, who labor under intense anaemia, with distention of 
the blood-vessels and heart, — all such are to be held liable, 
and closely observed and protected. 

TREATMENT. 

Patients subject to any of the above symptoms, and 
their friends, should carefully study the paragraphs in this 
volume on Mental Disorders, Indigestions, Constipation, 
Plethora, Ancemia, Dropsy, Albuminuria, TJrozmia, and 
Paralysis. 

The treatment applicable in those cases will be applicable 
in the prevention of anticipated convulsions. 

When the convulsions really occur, a non-professional 
would better let things alone, lest he aggravate the case. 
Cold water to the head, mustard-poultices to the legs, is 
about as much as can be done. 

If it is known that the trouble has been brought on by 
overeating, or by eating indigestible food, an emetie might 
be given at once ; and the most efficient, and yet innocent, 
is a tumblerful of warm water containing a teaspoonful of 
mustard. 

If protracted constipation is known to exist, the bowels 
should be immediately moved by repeated enemas of warm 
water and soap ; and if failing with this, an enema of a pint of 
warm water with fifteen grains of ox-gall should be injected 
into the rectum. If the bowels remain still full, give one 
tablespoonful of castor-oil, repeating it in six or eight hours, 
if it shall not have operated. 



PAUT II. 



LABOR. 



127 



LABOR 



Pregnancy and its concomitant derangements having 
been treated of in the first part, the second part will be de- 
voted to the preparations for labor, and to labor itself. 



OCCUPATION OF THE MOTHER DURING PREGNANCY. 

A woman with child would find it greatly to her advan- 
tage, and conducive to her health and happiness, to employ 
her leisure hours in the preparation of the necessary articles 
of clothing for herself and her coming baby. 

As many seem really ignorant of what is necessary, I 
name some few of the articles which she will absolutely 
need. These will naturally suggest others to women ac- 
customed to the convenience of plentiful supplies. 

Articles needed by the Mother, 

Six cotton chemises. 

Six cotton night-dresses. Short night-dresses are prefer- 
able. 

Six unbleached cotton bandages, one yard and a half long. 

Two flannel skirts. 

One flannel dressing-gown, to wear on getting up. 

Three dozen napkins. These may be made from old 
table damask, rendered soft by use. 

One dozen common face-towels. 

9 129 



130 LABOR. 

Articles needed by the Child. 

Eight belly-bands of infants' flannel ; four of them one 
quarter of a yard wide and five-eighths long, and the other 
four not quite so wide, for earlier use. 

Four dozen diapers. 

Four flannel barricoats with muslin bodies ; left open like 
an apron. 

One dozen linen-cambric shirts, to be worn over the belly- 
band. 

Six muslin night-slips, one yard long. 

Two flannel skirts, of two breadths each. 

Six pairs knit socks. 

Two blankets of fine flannel or merino, one yard square, 
bound with ribbon, for a shawl. 

One baby-basket, containing : a box of rice-flour-powder ; 
one powder-puff; one cake of old, white Castile soap ; pieces 
of old handkerchiefs, to be used in dressing the navel ; one 
box of cold-cream ; one fine sponge ; one paper of large, one 
of small pins ; one pair of sharp, round-pointed scissors. A 
complete suit of baby-clothes should be in it at the time 
needed. 

Strange as it may appear, it is often the case, that, while 
attending a woman in labor, the physician finds no provis- 
ion of the most necessary articles, creating delay and con- 
fusion. Some women are so indolent, that they put off these 
preparations until the time overtakes them quite unprepared. 

Among the lower classes of women in Italy, it is custo- 
mary to raise a chicken for the mother, and save money for 
the doctor's fee. A most philosophical plan ! Nine months 
will make a good chicken, that will yield rich broth for a 
debilitated parturient. The doctor's fee is quite as neces- 
sary for him. In this country, a great deal of unnecessary 
flummery is often gotten up for the child, very often forget- 
ting the chicken, and the physician's need. 



MONTHL Y NURSE. 131 



MONTHLY NURSE. 



By this term, is meant a woman experienced in attending 
confinements, and capable of assuming the care of a baby, 
and of the parturient, for a month from the commencement 
of labor. 

In some countries, these nurses are educated for the pur- 
pose, and are even capable of exercising all the duties belong- 
ing to a midwife. In this country it is not so. Women actu- 
ally prefer a male accoucheur to a female. They feel safer 
in his hands : they rely not only upon his superior knowl- 
edge, but upon his courage. They feel he would not flinch 
before duty, and would assume the greatest responsibility to 
save life. It is not generally so with female accoucheurs, 
allowing very honorable exceptions. I know of many cases 
where the female accoucheur, getting frightened, deserted 
her patient at the moment she was most needed 5 thus sacri- 
ficing a life that might otherwise have been saved. 

But I am speaking of a monthly nurse. She should be 
intelligent, and have experience ; yet she should not be 
presumptive, and should never be allowed to exercise duties 
not within her province. 

A nurse is necessarily a servant ; and I, for my part, never 
want her to be any thing else. I want her to have intelli- 
gence enough to carry out my orders, and no more. Has 
she learnt any thing from other physicians or other people, 
let her keep that knowledge to herself as long as there is a 
physician attending who is responsible for the case. 

The monthly nurse should be a judicious, unobtrusive, 
well-tempered woman. She should know the care the pa- 
tient needs ; she should administer to her comfort, but not 
attempt to entertain her with stories or gossips of any kind ; 
she should carry out the wishes of the physician conscien- 
tiously, but never remonstrate on her own account, with the 



132 LABOR. 

patient ; she should acquaint the physician with every 
irregularity without exaggeration, and never undertake, 
under the assumption that it will do no harm, to administer 
favorite lotions or potions to the patient or to the child. 

In the house, she should not be a source of trouble. I 
have known nurses to demand so much attention from the 
house-servants as to be unbearable. Some nurses assume 
rights and authority over the patient and the husband. 
Take my advice : such a woman, being a nuisance, should be 
paid and sent off. 

If the parturient is worried by the nurse, she should in- 
form her physician without delay. I have known patients 
that were so intimidated by the nurse as to be afraid to 
mention this fact to physician or husband, and would, conse- 
quently, go from day to day, sick without an appreciable 
cause. 

In this case, let the husband take the matter in his own 
hands, and let him protest against such conduct : if this be 
vain, let him invite the woman out of the sick-room, and 
deliberately inform her that she must leave the house. Hav- 
ing gone thus far, she should not, under any pretext what- 
soever, be allowed to enter that room before leaving ; for, 
with truly revengeful spirit, she may make a scene that will 
greatly affect the condition of the wife. 

It may be thought that I concern myself entirely too 
much about these nurses. Not so. Any one who has had 
experience with them will tell you that every young mother 
or husband needs all these cautions. 

Nurses have their favorite doctors ; and those are they 
who employ them the oftenest. When they are engaged 
where their favorite is not in attendance, they are some- 
times given to talking disparagingly of the one who has 
the case in hand, and praising others : they have even been 
known to improvise facts and stories that bear against his 
character, or his skill as a physician. When this is the 



MONTHLY NURSE. 133 

case, do not hesitate to silence them at once, and then watch 
them closely ; for, to prove themselves right, they are possi- 
bly capable of injuring you or your child. If the nurse 
feeds the child by hand, see that she puts no powder in the 
milk, although she may tell you it is only a little soda, to 
prevent flatulence. If you employ a homoeopathic physi- 
cian, and she distrusts the treatment, watch her still closer, 
and resist all her attempts to inveigle you into permitting 
the use of things contrary to or different from those pre- 
scribed by your physician. 

In looking up a nurse, and inquiring into her qualifica- 
tions from those who have had experience of her, it will be 
found useful to ask the following 

Questions : — 

Is she strong and healthy ? 

Is her breath offensive ? 

Is she clean about her person ? 

Does she keep the baby clean, and is she tidy in the nur- 
sery? 

Is she attentive to the mother ? 

Is she gentle, kind, anticipating all wants, and supplying 
them with a willingness ? 

Is nursing to her only an effort by which she makes a 
livelihood, or has she a natural adaptability for the calling ? 

Is she a light or a sound sleeper ? 

Does she snore ? 

Has she such a habit of watching, that she can keep 
awake if necessary ? 

Can she cook food or dainties for the mother ? 

Did any accident ever happen through her carelessness ? 

Is she truthful? 

Does she drink, or use tobacco ? 

Does she receive many visitors ? 

Does she interfere with the household servants ? 

Is she inquisitive or gossipy ? 



134 LABOR. 

In making these inquiries, see that your informant is re- 
liable ; for many people, through mistaken kindness, recom- 
mend the most objectionable servants. 

When you engage her, — which should be at least two 
months before the expected time, — stipulate the price, and 
make every condition clear and unmistakable. 

She should be ready to attend two or three weeks before 
the anticipated event. 

THE ROOM 

Should be a spacious and well-ventilated one. If possible, 
it should have a southern exposure. Let it be remote from 
the noise of the street or the house. If there is a bath or 
dressing room attached to it, so much the better. Keep no 
soiled clothes in it during sickness. One bed, one wash- 
stand, wardrobe, bureau, and two or three chairs, is all the 
furniture needed : any more would be in the way, unless the 
room is unusually large. 

THE BED 

Should be a double one, in good order, on castors. The 
spring mattress is the best : hair and cotton come next. 
Feather-mattresses are inconvenient, too warm, and should 
be avoided. The sheets should be of cotton, unless it is in 
the midst of summer, or in a hot climate. During labor, 
the patient should lie on the right side of the bed. This 
position will place the patient on the right side of the phy- 
sician. Attention to this will prevent a change of side 
when the physician arrives. 

For labor, the bed should be prepared as follows : Fold 
the lower sheet so that it will not come below the waist of 
the patient, with the end towards the hips, so that it can be 
grasped and pulled down after delivery. 



PREPARATIONS. 135 

Cover the mattress, from the waist down, with an imper- 
vious material, — a piece of India-rubber or oil-cloth. Over 
it place a thick cover — a blanket or sheet folded several 
times — to absorb the discharges. Replace the bed-covers 
as though the bed had been made up as ordinarily. To the 
foot-board — against which the feet should be fixed during 
expulsive pains — attach a long towel, twisted, that the pa- 
tient may grasp at it during strong bearing-down pains. 



ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE PHYSICIAN. 

A chair to sit upon, some lard or sweet-oil to lubricate 
his hands and the soft parts of the mother, several towels, 
cold and warm water, and soap. 



ARTICLES NEEDED DURING LABOR. 

A cord made of twisted linen thread ; a pair of sharp- 
edged but blunt-ended scissors; a paper of large, sharp- 
pointed pins ; a square yard of soft flannel, or some suitable 
material, to envelop the child when born ; a bandage for the 
mother ; an abundant supply of warm water ; some suitable 
stimulant, as camphor, cologne, or aromatic Spirit of ammo- 
nia ; one dozen towels and napkins ; a fine sponge ; a vessel 
under the bed to receive the after-birth. 



BANDAGE. 

Although some physicians split hairs about the bandage, 
and some assume even that the patient can do better with- 
out it, I cannot but recommend the use of it. The bracing- 
up of the collapsed abdomen gives such a feeling of comfort, 
that that alone would recommend it, as, in ordinary cases, 



136 LABOR. 

enabling the mother soon to move about the bed without 
feeling that she is going to fall to pieces. Besides, I know 
cases where the abdomen never contracted, from want of 
this support ; and the woman had to bear a pendulous abdo- 
men ever after, to her great discomfort and annoyance. 
And I never knew or heard of an instance where the ban- 
dage, properly applied, had caused unpleasant or dangerous 
results. Of course, as in all things in this world, there is 
a way to do it right, another to do it wrong: even a 
feather, in the hands of an ignoramus, may prove a fatal 
weapon. If the bandage be put on snugly, with no undue 
pressure exerted, so as to obstruct the circulation, none of 
the far-fetched maladies will result from the application. 

A great deal is said about the shape of a bandage. For 
my part, a towel long enough to go around the body I have 
always found to answer every purpose ; some, however, pre- 
fer to have it so shaped as to fit the curves of the body. It 
should be wide enough, at all events, to cover the whole ab- 
domen. 

WHEN TO SEND FOR PHYSICIAN AND NURSE. 

This requires some judgment ; for it is very hard on a 
physician, fatigued by a severe day's labor, to be suddenly 
awakened from his sleep, and requested to relinquish his 
rest and go to a patient, only to find that it is all a false 
alarm. I speak feelingly on this subject. Physicians ap- 
preciate the anxieties of a woman, who, being conscious that 
her term is near completion, feels pains flitting about her 
abdomen ; and they are willing to go to her, were it only to 
calm her apprehension : still, some consideration is also ex- 
pected on her part. He, like other mortals, has only one 
life to live, the preservation of which requires the same rest 
and the same peace that others enjoy. 

On the completion of her eighth month, the woman is 



WHEN TO SEND FOR PHYSICIAN AND NURSE. 137 

liable to be overtaken by pains simulating labor. These 
pains are probably caused by the womb's attempt to adapt 
itself to its enlarged condition and position. A few hours 
of complete rest will often make these pains disappear with- 
out further trouble. 

When a woman, however, has reached her full term, she 
may suddenly awake one night to find herself in labor. 
Still, let her remember that labor is very rarely an instan- 
taneous process. There are preparing pains, and many are 
they, before the actual presence of the physician is neces- 
sary. 

Pains coming at regular intervals, commencing in the 
back, and running down the loins, causing the womb to 
harden under the hand, and to relax after the pain is gone, 
should be considered labor-pains. When these pains are 
accompanied hj a serous bloody discharge, there can be no 
doubt that labor has commenced. 

As long as the pains do not return oftener than every 
fifteen minutes, the physician need not be summoned, if it 
is night. The nurse should be sent for, however, without 
delay. 

When the intervals are gradually getting shorter, until 
they are no longer than five minutes apart, the physician 
should be summoned. 

The physician's attendance should also be immediately 
required after the breaking of the bag of waters. This 
may happen suddenly, without giving any premonitory 
symptoms. 

When the symptoms of labor occur during the day, the 
physican should be informed of the fact without delay ; for 
he may find it convenient to call, and ascertain for himself 
the condition of things. If early in the morning, let him 
know it before he leaves his office, lest he cannot be found 
when he is wanted later in the day. 

A sudden gush of blood, or a continuous stream of it, 



138 LABOR. 

should warn the patient, or the attendants, to have the phy- 
sician instantly ; and, if the regular family attendant is not 
to be found, the nearest doctor should be brought to the spot. 
In case the stream of blood is continuous and alarming, 
Jill up the vagina with a sponge, and keep the patient quiet 
on her back until the physician arrives. 



LABOR 

Is the inevitable and physiological consequence of preg- 
nancy. It is a process of pain and suffering. It is a pro- 
cess that requires all the moral courage and fortitude a 
woman is capable of. 

The woman who bears a child to her husband performs 
an act which his lifelong love and kindness could not repay. 
The woman who bears a child to the State gives the legis- 
lator to mould the nation, the general to defend her honor, 
the admiral to span the oceans. The woman who bears a 
child to her God is an imitator of his creation, and will 
glory in the light of his love. 

Woman is the re-creator and the nurse of mankind. Her 
sufferings in giving birth to her offspring, her self-abnega- 
tion in raising and educating it, command man's respect, 
his admiration, his love, his gratitude. 

Beautiful in love, sympathetic in sorrow, she governs his 
affections, and assuages his pains. 

In the throes of labor, she is heroical. On the life of her 
infant, she sheds tears of joy. In the tenderness of a newly- 
made mother, she forgets her pains. Her lips whisper 
thanks to her God ; her eyes look with a triumphant joy 
upon her husband. 

No wonder man loves his mother ! If a mother never 
did any thing but give birth to her son, he should love her 
and be grateful to her forever. 



PRESENT A TION. 139 



PRESENTATION. 

I will presume that every woman expecting to give birth 
to a child engages an accoucheur one or two months be- 
fore the expiration of her term. As the woman in labor 
is quite incapable of assisting herself, I will treat only of 
natural labor, to give an idea of its physiological pro- 
cess, and the manner in which it should be attended, in 
case the physician is not present. Any abnormal deviation 
or complication should positively require a well-skilled ac- 
coucheur to be in attendance. 

When labor has really commenced, the most important 
point to ascertain is the presentation. The term "pres- 
entation " refers to the part of the child that presents itself 
to the mouth of the womb. Physicians divide presentation 
into classes, and the classes into positions, until they have 
reached a rather confusing number. For the practical 
purpose of an unprofessional attendant, four only are 
important, — head, foot, breech, and hand presenta- 
tion ; the first three constituting natural presentations, 
from the fact that they do not offer difficulties, and the 
latter, preternatural, because it offers serious difficulties, to 
labor. 

The presentation can easily be detected by introducing 
the index finger into the vagina as far as the womb, when, 
if the head presents itself, a hard, round tumor will be felt 
within the mouth of the womb. This presentation may be 
confounded with the breech, for that also is round, and al- 
most of the same diameter ; but, in the latter, there is a feel- 
ing of elasticity, given by the fleshy buttock, that cannot 
be mistaken. Besides, by thrusting the finger a little high- 
er, and feeling carefully around, the protrusions of the ver- 
tebrae of the spine, or the division of the limbs and the 
genital organs, can Jbe discovered. 



140 LAB OB. 

Hand or foot presentation is easily detected by the natu- 
ral shape of those organs. 

Head or breech presentation should give no concern ; for 
the diameter of each is sufficient to expand the womb and 
the soft parts, so as to render the exit of the other parts of 
the body comparatively easy. 

Foot presentation is liable to render labor long and dan- 
gerous to the child, inasmuch as the head may be arrested 
in the pelvis of the mother after the body is extruded, de- 
laying thus the respiration, and causing, probably, fatal 
compression. 

Hand presentation is dangerous in the extreme : no time 
should be lost in securing the immediate attendance of a 
skilful physician ; for it is evident that the child lies cross- 
ways, in which case it cannot be born without turning. 



PREMONITORY SIGNS OF LABOR. 

During the last fortnight of pregnancy, the abdominal 
tumor subsides, so that pressure is taken off from the lungs, 
heart, and stomach, and the woman feels more buoyant, 
freer, and more comfortable. The pressure, however, is 
brought downwards by the descent of the womb, causing, 
often, a desire to void urine, and sometimes, even with an 
inability of doing so. (See " Incontinence and Retention 
of Urine.") 

FIRST STAGE OF LABOR. 

Labor may be divided into two stages : the first consti- 
tuting the process of dilatation of the mouth of the womb ; 
the second, the process of expulsion of the child from the 
interior of the mother. 

During the first stage, the parts become humid : a dis- 



FIRST STAGE OF LABOR. 141 

charge of watery blood, tt the show" occurs ; intermittent, 
regular, and periodical pains come on, each ushered in by 
shiverings. This stage of preparation occupies five-sixths 
of the duration of labor. The fibres of the womb contract, 
and its mouth dilates, at every pain. 

During this stage, it is evident that there is nothing to be 
done but to patiently wait. The mother should make no 
expulsive, efforts: on the contrary, she should save her 
strength for the second stage, when the child escapes from 
the womb, and is pressing hard against the soft parts. 

She may walk the room or sit in a chair alternately : the 
first will assist in the expansion of the mouth of the womb 
by the pressure of the weight against it ; the second will 
shorten her confined position in bed, which may become very 
tiresome if the labor is slow. 

The patient should know, that, during this stage, there 
is no accident to apprehend : her mind should be at ease 
and hopeful. 

During these contracting pains, she may become nause- 
ated, and may even vomit. This condition is considered 
favorable, because it relaxes the system. ' 

She need not have any fear or anxiety if this stage is 
rather long ; for it may depend upon the rigidity of the 
mouth of the uterus, which will yield in proper time. Anx- 
iety will only tend to diminish the force of her pains, and 
render labor longer and more tedious. She should dispel 
every imaginary dread that she will not get through ; for 
nine hundred and ninety pregnant women in a thousand 
have suffered like herself, and have gone to the end with 
perfect safety to themselves and their offspring. 

She should not resist any inclination to move her bowels, 
or to pass urine : on the contrary, she should encourage both, 
as the discharges will give her relief, and make the exit of 
the child easier. It has even been customary to have the 
bowels moved by a cathartic, and in case the patient should 



142 LABOR. 

be in the least constipated, I do not deem it objectionable in 
the least. 

During this stage, if her physician is not present, she 
should be examined now and then by the nurse, in order to 
know the progress made in the dilatation of the mouth of 
the womb. If, after every five or six pains, no progress is 
detected, there should be no hurry in summoning the phy- 
sician. When, however, the mouth of the womb is so ex- 
panded as to be of the size of a silver dollar, the physician 
should be present. 

How to make an Examination. 

Place the patient on her left side with knees drawn up. 
The nurse lubricates with oil or lard the index finger of 
her right hand, introduces it into the vagina, running it up- 
wards and backward in the direction of the spine. When 
she reaches the tumor, let her feel for an opening in the 
membrane that covers the child. If she is in doubt whether 
her finger is then in the mouth of the womb, let her keep 
it within until a pain comes on, and, if the finger is within 
the womb, she will feel the mouth contract around it like 
the string of a purse. She can then detect the size of the 
opening. When the womb is relaxed, she may confound 
the thin mouth of the womb with folds of the vagina, but 
not so when it is in a state of contraction. The mouth of the 
womb is sometimes difficult to find, because it lies backward, 
and high up. The examiner should not he satisfied until it 
has been found, and its dimension fairly measured. Care 
should be taken, during these examinations, not to press too 
hard against the tumor, lest the bag of waters should be 
broken. The waters, enclosed in an elastic bag around 
the head of the child, assist in expanding the mouth of the 
womb. This bag of waters generally breaks spontaneously 
during a violent pain. When it breaks in the beginning, it 
constitutes what is called " dry labor" which may last longer 



FIRST STAGE OF LABOR. 143 

on account of the absence of the assistance spoken of. It 
usually breaks in the second stage, although it may do so at 
any time, particularly if the pains are strong, and the mem- 
brane weak. 

The mother should be made acquainted with the existence 
and the necessary bursting of this bag, lest she should be 
frightened at a sudden and unexpected gush of so much 
water. 

The Arrival of the Physician 

should be announced : his entering the room unannounced 
may give the patient a shock. Even modesty requires this 
caution. After he has made his examination, he should be 
invited to another room. He will accept willingly ; for he 
knows that the patient will thus feel less constrained than 
she would in his presence. 

Conduct of the Attendants. 

Admit no one to the room except the nurse or a female 
friend requested by herself. 

Under no circumstance, permit idle curiosity to peer into 
that room. Keep out officious women whose services are 
not needed. Stop every conversation regarding hard labors, 
or accidents happened to other parturients. This is imper- 
ative. Physicians know, to their regret, how many labors 
have been kept lingering by the influence of these mis- 
chievous conversations on the mind of the patient. 

The husband should bear himself manfully ; and, in his 
expressions of love and sympathy, he should not show that 
he is harrowed by a feeling of anxiety and the fear that the 
case may not terminate well. 

Arrangement of Dress. 

Before the commencement of the second stage, the pa- 
tient's dress should be so adjusted that it need not be soiled. 



144 LABOR. 

Her chemise should be folded up around her waist, and the 
bandage to be used after delivery pinned around it. This 
will secure the chemise, and, at the same time, leave the 
bandage ready to be brought down, without moving the 
patient after delivery. Below this may be put a flannel 
skirt, or a small sheet folded, which will cover the patient, 
and protect the clothing above. 

This simple precaution will prevent the necessity of chan- 
ging her linen after delivery ; a process which may be dan- 
gerous, in proportion to the condition of the patient. 



SECOND STAGE OF LABOR. 

The Birth. The mouth of the womb having dilated dur- 
ing the first stage, and the child being now bearing down 
upon the soft parts of the mother, the patient has a strong 
desire to make expulsive efforts. This should now be en- 
couraged. When she feels a pain coming on, she should 
draw a long inspiration, and then, holding her breath, bear 
down with all her strength. Restrain her from making ex- 
clamations during the pains, and urge her not to relinquish 
the downward pressure she ought to exert. If she com- 
plains of her back, press gently with your hand against it. 

During these pains, she may become very much excited, 
and even talk incoherently. Re-assure her, by telling her 
that she is now near the end of her troubles. Encourage 
her to rest between her pains, and maintain her position on 
her left side. 

Place a pillow between her knees, which should be bent, 
and let her feet press against the foot-board. 

Take a napkin, and press gently between the vagina and 
the rectum during the pains ; not enough, however, to pre- 
vent the descent of the child, but to prevent a possible rup- 
ture of the soft parts. If her exertions cause her to perspire, 



SECOND STAGE OF LABOR. 145 

dry her face with a handkerchief, or fan her a little ; if she 
is faint, give her volatile-salts or cologne to smell. 

Should the pains subside, and become weaker during this 
stage, give her a cup of hot tea. 

This stage, sometimes, is very short. Many instances 
have occurred in my practice, particularly amongst healthy 
and strong women, where it consisted of one pain, prolonged 
until the child was expelled. With some women, it requires 
several pains, particularly when the parts are rigid. En- 
courage patience. In cases where the infant's head is very 
large, or the outlet of the mother rather narrow, the head is 
to be moulded, as it were, to the proper proportions, and the 
resistance will cause some delay. 

It is during these pains, that she should pull at a towel 
fixed to the bed or in the hands of an attendant. 

The patient should not be discouraged if several severe 
pains, at this stage, do not cause the child to be born. As 
long as the presentation is right she need have no fear for 
the result, even if no physician be present. 

When, at last, the result begins to appear, and the head is 
expelled, it should be supported in the palm of the right 
hand, but no traction made. If the pain ceases, and the 
cord is twined around the child's neck, pull the cord gently 
until it is loosened ; and, if it is sufficiently long, pass it 
around the child's head until it is disentangled. If the 
pain delays, and the child's face looks congested and 
blue, make gentle frictions on the mother's abdomen ; force 
your index finger under the armpit of the child, and draw 
gently. 

When the child is born, and it breathes, turn its face 
from the mother, and from the discharges, lest, during an 
inspiration, it draws in some of the fluids. If it cries, so 
much the better : that will cause a long inspiration, and 
expand its chest. 

Do not be in a hurry now : there is no necessity. 



146 LABOR, 

How and when to cut the Cord. Having your string and 
scissors at hand, as soon as the cord ceases pulsating, tie a 
cord about it, an inch and a half from the navel ; then put 
another ligature two inches from that, and cut between 
them. Then take a soft napkin, and wrap it around the 
child, so that, in its slimy condition, it may not slip from the 
hands ; and place it in a smooth blanket in a safe place. 

The After-Birth (Placenta). With your right hand, take 
hold of the cord, and put it on the stretch ; place your left 
hand on the abdomen of the patient. If the abdomen is 
not very much collapsed, and the womb does not feel like a 
round ball that you can grasp with the hand, there may be 
a twin-baby. But if the abdomen is sunken, and the womb 
contracted, wait for a pain; and, when it comes, pull gently, 
but steadily, at the cord. It will probably be felt to follow 
the pull ; if not, do not pull hard, lest you break it, and 
have no means to get it out. It may take one or two more 
pains. 

Sometimes the womb, being rid of the greatest part of its 
contents, remains inactive, and suffers the placenta to remain 
for a time. In this case, gentle frictions should be made on 
the abdomen, arid the womb gently pressed, so as to excite 
contractions. 

Should you, by accident, separate the cord from the pla- 
centa, and, after waiting twenty or thirty minutes, during 
which several pains may occur, the placenta not being passed 
out, introduce your hand, formed in conical shape, into the 
vagina, hook your fingers in the spongy placenta, and gently 
pull it out. 

ATTENTION TO THE CHILD. 

Does it breathe ? If the child gives a hearty cry, you 
may be sure it is all right. If it is evidently breathing at 
all, as the vast majority of new-born infants are, there is no 



ATTENTION TO THE CHILD. 147 

farther serious trouble to be looked for on that score ; but if 
it remains still, and gives no sign of life, it will require im- 
mediate attention. Some authors recommend not to cut the 
cord until respiration is fairly established. But this connec- 
tion should exist only as long as the cord is pulsating : when 
that ceases, the cord should be cut, lest the placenta act like 
an instrument of suction, and withdraws blood from the child. 

The unbreathing condition of the child may be caused by 
mucus filling its mouth : care should be taken, therefore, 
to clear it as soon as born, by wiping the mouth with a finger 
wrapped in the corner of a soft handkerchief. Then sprin- 
kle cold water on its face and body : the shock thus given 
may awaken the dormant vitality. Should this be not suf- 
ficient, alternate the sprinkling of cold water with immer- 
sion in warm water. This alternate treatment of heat and 
cold may be repeated several times. Should this not suc- 
ceed, take a towel wet in cold water, and with a corner of it 
strike the child vigorously on the chest, back, and head. 

Do not give up in discouragement, even if the child does 
not breathe for half an hour. There are instances in which 
children have been brought to life after an inconceivable 
length of time, and after many attempts to make them 
breathe. 

Another means to restore life is the following : Close its 
nostrils by pinching them together, and then blow into its 
mouth, so as to force air into its lungs ; then press its ribs 
together, so as to cause the lungs to expel the air : this al- 
ternate movement continued may stimulate the lungs into 
action. During this process, the body of the child should 
undergo frictions made with warm flannel immersed in alco- 
hol, brandy, whiskey, or any stimulant at hand. 

Some authors suggest taking a mouthful of brandy, and 
then spurting it forcibly against the breast of the child : this 
repeated has sometimes induced convulsive contractions of 
the respiratory muscles, and caused the lungs to expand. 



148 LABOR. 

Also a stream of cold water from a height has proved suc- 
cessful. 

These efforts should be continued even after respiration 
has commenced, if it is very weak. 

Should a galvanic battery be at hand, currents of electri- 
city may be made to pass from the nape of the neck to the 
muscles of the chest. 

During these attempts to restore life, the child should lie 
on a flat surface, ivith the head lower than the body ; and, 
during the manipulations, the head should not be allowed to 
fall on its chest. 

Should the face of the child remain very much congested 
and blue for several minutes, untie the cord, and let a table- 
spoonful or two of blood flow. 

Sometimes the new-born child's features look shrivelled; 
it has a blue appearance, and breathes with a spasmodic jerk, 
and feebly ; its cries are very weak, and sound like a weak 
groan. Under such conditions, it should be stimulated by 
alternate douches of cold and warm water, by dry heat and 
frictions. Care should be taken not to fatigue it. It may be 
bathed with alcohol, and artificial respiration kept up by alter- 
nate blowing in the mouth and pressing the ribs together. 
A little brandy may also be given as follows : Five drops of 
brandy to a tablespoonful of warm water ; one drop of this 
solution on the tongue every five or ten minutes, until the 
child gives sign of some strength and of established circu- 
lation. 

ATTENTIONS TO THE MOTHER. 

Immediately after delivery, the patient, passing from a 
state of tension to a state of relaxation, is often taken by a 
nervous chill : so do not expose her surface to the air un- 
necessarily ; and, if the chill comes, cover her up until re- 
action has set in, and she feels warmer. 



ATTENTIONS TO THE MOTHER. 149 

Do not allow her, under any circumstance, to help her- 
self ; gently and steadily pull from under her the soiled 
cloths and garments ; then draw down the bandage, and pin 
it snugly around her ; pull down her dress, and cover her 
warmly. 

Apply a soft napkin to the vulva. Should the soft parts 
be very sore, they may be bathed with tepid water medi- 
cated with tincture of arnica. 

If a physician has been in attendance, after his departure 
leave the patient to repose, and let no over scrupulously 
cleanly person interfere. Too much intermeddling is the 
cause of severe after-pains, or of more or less dangerous 
flooding. If the patient be allowed to sit upright, the 
blood will accumulate again in the uterine veins, distend 
them, and cause coagulations of blood that will induce vio- 
lent after-pains; and if the blood does not coagulate, but 
flows away, it will produce the most violent and dangerous 
flooding. The patient is thus exposed to the risk of her life 
at a time when every moment of repose is of the highest 
value to her. 

TREATMENT. 

To overcome the chilliness, cover her with warm clothing, 
and, if necessary, give her a little warm tea. 

If the patient be feverish, restless, and nervous, give her 
Aconite. 

If she has much headache, Belladonna. 

If she suffers from obstinate sleeplessness (see " Sleepless- 
ness "). 

If she feels very much bruised, give Arnica internally, 
and wash her externally with warm water, containing a few 
drops of the tincture of Arnica, three times in twenty-four 
hours. 

Change of Position. If the patient should flow so much 
that flooding may be apprehended, she should remain quiet 



150 LABOR. 

in the same position, until all danger is over. If the dis- 
charges seem no more than should be expected, she may be 
drawn up upon the bed, or even slidden to the other side, as 
soon as convenient. Being made comfortable, she should 
be left quiet, and allowed a little sleep, from which she will 
awaken very much refreshed. The removal of soiled clothes 
should be done with care to give her no cold, or expose her 
to violent motions. 

DRESSING THE CHILD. 

Lubricate the child all over with some unctuous matter, 
animal oil or lard. In many instances, the application of 
unctuous matter will be sufficient to detach all the viscid 
matter adhering to the child ; and it may be wiped off by a 
fine sponge or a soft flannel cloth. This will prevent the 
chilling of the child by washing. However, washing with 
fine Castile soap and warm water is not objectionable, and 
may satisfy the fastidious cleanliness of the mother. This 
washing process should be as short as possible, and carefully 
done before the fire, lest the child is chilled. 

The Umbilical Cord. Take a piece of linen (an old hand- 
kerchief is good) about six inches square ; cut a hole in the 
centre of it ; smear it all over with mutton-suet, and through 
the hole draw the cord ; then fold this linen up so as to en- 
velop the cord completely, and lay it upwards on the abdo- 
men ; then cover it over with a square piece, doubly folded, of 
fine flannel, and apply the belly-band, so as to secure it in 
its place, and prevent rubbing. 

The Clothing, In dressing the child, care should be taken 
that the diaper is not too thick or coarse, as it would keep 
the limbs too widely separated. Otherwise, the child may 
be dressed as the mother desires, although I would suggest 
that the dress should be with high neck, and the sleeves 



DRESSING THE CHILD y ETC. 151 

down to its wrist; thus maintaining equal circulation 
throughout the body, and avoiding exposure of its chest and 
arms when the child is taken up. 



PRESENTATION OF THE CHILD TO THE MOTHER. 

After the mother has had some rest, and the child is 
dressed, it should be presented to the mother. 

She will look with pride on her offspring; and the joy 
caused by the first sight of her babe will act beneficially 
on her mind and system. 

Allow the mother then to tender the breast to her baby. 
The first flow of milk is the first medicine that the child 
receives. It is a natural laxative, to clear its bowels from 
the meconium, which is a dark mucilaginous matter. The 
act of nursing stimulates the breasts, and the reflex action 
stimulates the womb to healthy contraction. 

Threatened hemorrhage has been suspended by this act. 

If the mother is strong, the baby may be allowed to draw 
from the nipple for several minutes ; but if the mother be 
nervous and irritable, and the efforts of nursing cause vio- 
lent contractions of the womb, it should be taken from her, 
and placed in a soft warm bed. 

If the child cries, and is restless after this, as if it were 
hungry, a few drops of sugared water may be given it. 

Keep the room darkened, and do not turn the child 7 s eyes 
to the light. 

The room should have ventilation by allowing open a door 
that communicates with another room, but no draught 



WHEN COMPANY MAY BE ALLOWED. 

The birth of a child is a source of joy and excitement in 
a household. Every member is impressed with the desire 



152 LABOR. 

to run and congratulate the mother. This should be allowed 
only after the mother has had rest } and gives sure signs that 
she is in good condition. 

Let no one, in an outburst of joy, jump at her, but let 
them approach her calmly and happily. A great joy may 
be changed into a great sorrow by not adhering to these 
rules. 



DISORDERS DURING THE ACT OF PARTURITION. 
FALSE PAINS. 

See "Rheumatic and Neuralgic Pains"; also "False 
Pains." 

NAUSEA AND VOMITING. 

If excessive during labor, give Ipecac. Five drops of the 
tincture to a tumbler half full of water : one teaspoonful 
every half-hour until relieved. 

NERVOUSNESS. 

Many women suffer excessively from nervous agitation 
and excitement during labor : they feel the pains acutely, 
lose their self-control, and lament in the most heart-rending 
manner. — Peters. 

Dilute five drops of the tincture of Ignatia in a tumbler 
half full of water, and give one teaspoonful every half-hour 
until comparative quiet is induced. 

SLOWNESS OR FEEBLENESS OF CONTRACTIONS. 

In some women, this prolongs labor indefinitely, to their 
great peril. 



SUSPENSION AND IRREGULARITY OF PAINS. 153 

The strength of the patient should be supported by broths 
or some light wine. 

Dilute fifteen drops of the tincture of Secale with five 
teaspoonfuls of water, and give one teaspoonful every half- 
hour until the pains increase in strength, and the intervals 
are shorter. 

Pulsatilla, from the 3d to the 200th, is greatly recom- 
mended also. Same dose. 



SUSPENSION AND IRREGULARITY OF THE PAINS. 

It not seldom occurs, that from mental excitement at the 
reception of exciting news, or from injudicious remarks, or 
from other causes, the pains become suspended. In this 
case, frictions over the abdomen, or titillation around the 
neck of the womb, or getting up and walking, is sufficient 
to bring them on again. If not successful, administer 
Secale or Pulsatilla, as advised for slowness of the contrac- 
tions. 

If the suspension is followed by distressing vomitings, 
sharp pains and cramps in the muscles of the back, abdo- 
men, or legs, give Ipecac and Colocynth, alternately, every 
five minutes, until relieved. 

If the pains are irregular; viz., some being strong, some 
weak; first on one side, then on the other; returning at 
different intervals ; the patient becoming distressed, despond- 
ent, and feverish ; her face turgid, her limbs convulsed ; 
give her Belladonna (3d) or Opium (3d). Five drops to a 
tumbler half full of water ; one teaspoonful every fifteen 
minutes. If this condition subsides under the effect of 
these remedies, but the pains remain weak, follow up with 
Secale, as above said. 

Whenever these irregularities occur from some organic 



154 LABOR. 

derangement of the parts (such as rigidity of the neck of 
the womb or the vagina, from former disease), or from some 
malformation, a skilful physician should be called. 



HEMORRHAGE BEORE, DURING, OR AFTER THE DE- 
LIVERY OF THE AFTER-BIRTH. 

See "Flooding." 



TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. 
AFTER-PAINS. 

The pains after delivery are generally caused by the nat- 
ural effort of the womb to contract itself to its natural size. 
They are spasmodic, and may be very severe. Sometimes 
they arise from a constipated condition of the bowels, some- 
times from retention of urine in the bladder. Some think 
they are produced by the presence of clots ' of coagulated 
blood in the womb, which it tries to expel. 

If they depend upon flatulency, or constipation of the 
bowels, Nux Vomica every two or three hours. 

If from retention of urine, lantharides. 

But the most homoeopathic remedy for these pains is Secale. 
Two drops of the tincture to a tumbler half full of water, 
one teaspoonful for a dose, repeated every hour or two. 

URINE. 

It often occurs, after delivery, that a patient does not 
pass her water for thirty-six or more hours, without pain or 
inconvenience; while some others feel occasion to pass large 
amounts of fluid from the bladder shortly after delivery. 

The nurse should ascertain the condition of the bladder, 
and should not let the patient go without passing water 
longer than tiventy-four hours. 



TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. 155 

Sometimes the patient feels as if she were deprived of the 
power of straining ; in fact, as if the parts were paralyzed. 
In such a case, there is a very simple and effectual means to 
cause the passage of water without any trouble. Let the 
nurse pass water before the patient, so that she can hear the 
water dripping in the vessel. This seems to awaken the 
nerves of the urinary parts to action through the mind, and 
the patient will then feel the desire to pass water herself: 
she should encourage this feeling, and will be relieved. This 
process may be substituted by dropping water slowly into a 
vessel. Should this not succeed, apply cloths, wrung out of 
very warm water, to the vulva. If this does not succeed, 
see " Treatment of Retention of the Urine." 

The physician should be informed if urine is not passed 
within twenty hours after delivery. 

LOCHIA, OR DISCHARGES FROM THE WOMB. 

Lochia is the name applied to the matters that escape 
from the genital organs of the mother after the delivery of 
the secundines (after-birth and membranes). They play a 
very important part in the welfare of the patient, and should 
be carefully noticed. While it is very variable in quantity 
in different cases, and even in the same patient at different 
times after delivery, it may, perhaps, be taken for an aver- 
age, that she will have occasion to employ the nurse to re- 
move six napkins, well filled, during the first six hours, four 
during the second, two in the third, and one in the last six 
of the twenty-four hours after delivery. She will probably 
require, on an average, a napkin every six hours. 

These discharges change also in quality. While in the 
first six hours they may be composed of pure blood, later 
they become more and more watery, which can be detected 
by the yellowish hue they assume, and by the paleness of 
their color, until after the sixth day, when the color of blood 
has almost entirely disappeared. The lochial discharge is 



156 LAB OB. 

apt to be more copious in women who have borne many chil- 
dren, who have been subject to profuse menstruations, and 
who have been addicted to stimulants and rich diet. 

A sudden cessation of these discharges before the twelfth 
day is of sufficient importance to apprise the physician 
ivithout delay. The consequences may be serious. 

The milk-fever has the effect of greatly lessening these 
discharges ; but, as soon as lactation is established, they 
should re-assume their previous vigor. 

If the sanguineous lochia is prolonged far beyond the 
usual term, it may be an indication of inflammation of the 
womb, of some lesions of the parts, or of careless misman- 
agement in diet or regimen. Inform your physician of it. 

In some instances, these discharges persist on account of 
general debility, and assume an exceedingly disagreeable 
odor. 

TREATMENT. 

To bring them on after suppression, apply moist and 
warm applications to the vulva; also injections of infusion 
of Camomile Flowers, warm. 

Aconite* Five drops of the tincture to a tumbler half 
full of water. One teaspoonful should be given every hour 
or two, when the suppression occurs after delivery, and the 
patient has pains or inflammation in the abdomen, with 
anxiety, fever, or congestion to the head and chest. In 
case the abdomen should be painful at the least pressure, 
apply the tincture of aconite freely upon it, particularly 
over the region of the womb. 

Belladonna. Six globules of the 3d. Offensive lochia ; 
feeling of heat in the parts; flushed face and injected eye- 
balls ; delirium and frightful visions ; pains in the region of 
the uterus, coming on suddenly, and finally leaving as sud- 
denly. — Guernsey. 



INTERIOR MUCOUS INFLAMMATION. 157 

Bryonia. Dose as Belladonna. Suppression of the 
lochia, attended with backache, severe stitches in the side, 
and cough, intense headache, pain in the breasts. 

Calcarea carb. Six globules of the 30th. Profuse lochia 
in women who have been subject to profuse menstruations, 
and who are of lymphatic temperament. 

Colocynth. Six globules of the 3d. Suppression of the 
lochia, with violent colic, flatulency in the stomach, and 
tendency to diarrhoea. 

Hyosciamus. Six globules of the 3d. Restlessness at 
night, or soporific sleep with frightful dreams. 

Pulsatilla. As Hyosciamus. If the milk become sup- 
pressed, together with suppression of the lochia 5 or the 
lochia assume a milky appearance. 

Sepia. Six globules of the 30th. Suppression of the 
lochia, accompanied by severe and constant pain in the 
back ; the lochia is offensive. 

Secale. (See "Hemorrhage.") 



INFLAMMATION OF THE MUCOUS MEMBRANE OF 
VAGINA AND WOMB. 

Severe labor induced by a large child or a small outlet 
of the mother is apt to be followed by such contusions of 
the parts as to create inflammation and pain after delivery. 
The soft parts of the patient are very sore ; the discharges 
more than usually offensive ; and the patient is feverish, 
weak, and restless. This inflammation may bring on re- 
tention of urine (which see). The abdomen may be per- 
fectly free from tenderness, yet the soft parts be so sore as 



158 LABOR. 

not to be able to bear the slightest touch ; even the limbs 
have to be kept apart to prevent the slightest pressure. 

TREATMENT. 

Warm emollients, applied to the parts, or injected into 
the vagina, are useful. For such purpose may be used a 
decoction of Flax-Seed, Slippery Elm, Marsh-Mallow, or Pop- 
pies. 

Arnica. Six globules of the 3d should be taken inter- 
nally. 

If the inflammation goes on to suppuration, and the dis- 
charges become very dark, foul, and offensive, pimples ap- 
pearing about the lips of the vagina, the following wash 
will be found very useful : — 

Labarraque's solution of Chloride of Sodium, one ounce ; 
water, one pint. Bathe the parts, and inject into the vagina 
two ounces of this solution, three times a day. 

Arsenicum (3d) should be taken internally while this wash 
is applied. 

CHLOROFORM. 

The propriety of using chloroform in midwifery has been 
very much debated among medical men ; and, while some 
use it without fear, others would not give it under the most 
pressing circumstances. In this question, however, it is ex- 
perience that must decide. Those who would not try it under 
any consideration will hardly have an opportunity to know 
its success; hence their judgment is rather the offspring of 
prejudice. Many have tested the practice, and bear testi- 
monials in favor of it. Prof. Simpson of Edinburgh states, 
that, in many thousand cases of labor in which chloroform 
has been administered, not one case of accident has been 



CHLOROFORM. 159 

recorded. To this testimony, I must add my mite of con- 
firmation, although I never administer it unless requested 
by the patient and the husband to do so. 

J. M. Ward, Professor of Obstetrics and Medical Juris- 
prudence, in his valuable monograph on " Chloroform in Mid- 
wifery/' says, " It is not necessary in midwifery to induce a 
full and perfect state of etherization, except when an opera- 
tion upon the mother is necessary. The object, in simply 
severe labor, is to moderate or diminish the suffering. So 
true is this in practice, that cases are constantly occurring, 
in which etherization is induced, and the patient herself de- 
termines the extent to which it shall be carried, by a partial 
or perfect inhalation of the anaesthetic. In the intervals 
of uterine contraction, the instrument is removed by the 
patient, or by her direction given in some way, and which 
is at once understood. She knows when the pain is coming 
on, and demands the inhaler. She graduates the supply, 
so to speak, to the demand ; and in this way is presented 
to the observation of the practitioner one of the most im- 
portant and interesting agencies in operation for relieving 
suffering, which he ever observes. 

" Patients of delicate nervous temperament often suffer 
severely from nervous agitation. Great nervous excitement 
marks the first stage of labor, and sometimes continues 
through the whole period of parturition in females of such 
a temperament. A degree of nervous apprehension marks 
the commencement of each pain: they feel their pains 
most acutely, lose all control of the will, and express their 
suffering in the most heart-rending manner. To such condi- 
tions of system, chloroform seems to be so admirably adapted 
as often to act like a charm in dissipating the patient's 
suffering, and, when the system is but partially brought 
under its influence, to fortify it by soothing the nervous 
system. It checks those irregular and spasmodic pains 
which retard the proper expulsive efforts, and, by taking off 



160 LABOR. 

the resistance which the will offers to the contractive pains, 
shortens materially the duration of labor. Chloroform, un- 
questionably, is the most reliable remedy for taking away 
the anguish and distress, which often proceed to such an 
extremity of suffering as seems unendurable by the patient, 
and saves, too, the practitioner and friends from the pain of 
witnessing those struggles and that agony which often com- 
pletely unnerve them. 

"This suspension of muscular action and muscular re- 
sistance saves the patient from the exhaustion attendant 
upon ordinary labor, and enables her sooner to recover from 
the effects of labor upon the system; protects her from 
the shock the nervous system sustains, as well as the 
soreness so common from the strain of the muscles ; and 
inasmuch as the patient is saved from exhaustion, so is she 
from the diseases of the puerperal state dependent upon 
the exhaustion of nervous power. Hence we are warranted 
in saying, chloroform not only saves the patient from the 
pains of labor, but, measurably, from the perils of child- 
birth." 

Chloroform, however, should never be administered to 
patients who have been affected by disease of the heart or 
the brain, or who are then suffering from asthma, and dis- 
ease of the lungs. 

It should be administered by a skilful medical man ; 
and practitioners, except in cases where there is necessity 
of an operation, should not offer the administration of chlo- 
roform : they should only act upon the request of the par- 
turient and the husband. 

The chloroform should be of the purest kind : it should 
be obtained from the most reliable apothecary. 

In the administration of it, care should be taken not to 
debar the patient entirely from the inhalation of air. This 
can be done by rolling a napkin in a cornucopia shape ; put 
within it a small sponge impregnated with chloroform. The 



CHLOROFORM. 161 

cornucopia is then applied between the nostrils and the 
upper lip, leaving thus the mouth free to inspire atmos- 
pheric air. From one to two minutes will be required to 
produce a sensible effect on the patient. This is done a 
little before the pain commences, and is discontinued as 
soon as it is evident that she is indifferent to the pain, or 
as soon as the pain is gone. 

It should be administered on an empty stomach ; and, if 
the effect is bad, a little wine, brandy, camphor, or aromatic 
spirits of ammonia, can be administered. Let there be 
plenty of air in the room and around the patient, and fan 
her between the periods of administration of chloroform. 



11 



PAET III 



THE NUKSING AND KEAKING OF INFANTS. 



163 



LACTATION. 



MILK-FEVER. 

After delivery, the most important function for the wel- 
fare of the mother and the life of her baby is the natural 
mode of feeding. The process of the formation of milk in 
the female breast during her lying-in state is called the 
Milk-Fever. Although a truly natural and normal process, 
it does not occur without creating some disturbance in the 
woman's system. Immediately after delivery, the breasts 
yield, on suction, a liquid of a yellowish color, and of a 
sweetish taste, called, in medical parlance, colostrum. This 
milk seems to act like a gentle and necessary purgative on 
the child. For twenty-four hours, it retains these qualities, 
when it becomes whiter, and of different consistency. 

Forty-eight hours after delivery, the breasts begin to 
swell ; and this change is attended by a slight chill, thirst, 
and perhaps headache : this state is followed by heat, dry- 
ness of the skin, which is succeeded in a few hours by a 
copious perspiration. . The fever lasts from twelve to forty- 
eight hours, sometimes even three or four days. 

During this febrile condition, the enlargement of the 
breasts increases, until, in some cases, the distention is so 
great as to become exceedingly painful, and even to invade 
the armpits, which prevents the bringing-down of the arms 
alongside of the body. 

This distention of the breasts should be relieved by the 

165 



166 LACTATION. 

suction of the child ; and in cases where the nipples are so 
drawn in that the child's lips cannot grasp them, or where 
the child is so weak that its attempts fail in drawing any 
milk, or do not draw sufficiently to relieve the breasts, the 
nurse, or an older and stronger child, should be applied to 
the breasts. Some nurses are very skilful in thus empty- 
ing the breasts by the suction of their own lips. Should 
not this be obtainable, and should the milk increase so fast 
as to apprehend an incursion of inflammation, a breast- 
pump should be used ; and, should even that be not at hand, 
a young pup will perform the needful act very satisfactorily. 

The best breast-pump is that which is made partly of 
glass, and partly of gutta-percha. The glass part contains 
the mouth, which is to take in the nipple, and a glass bulb as 
a receiver of the milk : the gutta-percha part is a syringe 
with a piston. It is the easiest and most successful instru- 
ment for that purpose. As the force of suction can be con- 
trolled by the person applying the pump, the pain often 
caused by the act can be avoided by drawing and pushing 
the piston slowly and gently. 

This pump is also the best instrument to use when the 
nipples need being moulded to a shape that will go into the 
baby's mouth, or drawing them out when they are sunk into 
the breast. 

M. Beluer, in his investigations to determine the precise 
period at which the flow of milk takes place, found, that of 
974 women, in 22 it occurred within the first day after de- 
livery ; in 170, on the second day ; in 347, on the third day ; 
in 266, on the fourth day ; in 100, on the fifth day ; in 22, on 
the sixth day ; in 5, on the seventh day ; in 4, on the eighth 
day ; and, in 1, not until the eleventh day : so that the rule 
of largest average places the time on the third day. 

By the time the fever is over, ordinarily the secretion of 
milk is very abundant, and the breasts have attained their 
greatest distention. If the child draws well, they are emp- 



MILK-FEVER, 167 

tied every time it sucks, and no engorgement is to be feared ; 
but should the child not draw, or the mother choose not to 
nurse her infant, the greatest precautions are necessary to 
prevent engorgement, inflammation, and suppuration of the 
breasts. For this purpose, every thing tending to the for- 
mation of milk should be avoided. The diet should be a very 
spare one ; and the drinking of ale or other stimulants pro- 
hibited. 

Warm emollient applications, such as Flax-Seed-Meal 
or Slippery-Elm poultice, should be made to the breasts 
unremittingly, with a view to excite perspiration that will 
relieve the tension. The precautions of drawing the milk as 
above described should be adopted. Even the application 
of camphorated ointment is very useful in diminishing 
the quantity of milk. A strong infusion of sage, taken in 
doses of one or two ounces, every three hours, is said to 
greatly diminish the secretion of milk. An ointment of the 
Extract of Belladonna, reduced to the consistency of thick 
paste, spread around the nipple for an inch and a half be- 
yond it, has been used with great success in reducing the 
mammae and the knots into a flaccid, comfortable state. This, 
used in time, may prevent gathering of the breast. — Dr. 
Goolden. 

Iodine of Potassium, in doses of from six to eight plains 
per diem, and in less quantity, has had the effect in mode- 
rating the secretion of milk. This, also, is found useful in 
arresting an impending inflammation of the breasts. After 
the cure, and the suspension of the Iodide of Potassium, 
the milk returns. 

In cases where the breasts seem full of milk, and yet the 
child is not able to draw a sufficient quantity to satiate 
itself, or to relieve the breasts, the difficulty may be due to 
a clogging-up of the little ducts, which would require one of 
stronger force to draw and fairly start the flow : for this 



168 LACTATION. 

purpose, the nurse or the pump should be employed until 
the milk flows easily ; then apply the child. 

A child may seem satisfied after a few moments' nursing, 
and even fall asleep ; but it may soon wake again, and seek 
for the breast : this would indicate that its strength was 
exhausted in drawing for those few moments, or that the 
mother had not a sufficient quantity of milk to feed her 
child. 

THE QUANTITY OF MILK 

Varies in different women. A woman, although in every 
respect healthy, may barely be able to supply milk enough 
to supply her child ; whilst another may be able to suckle 
several at a time. Hygienic and moral influences affect, 
also, the quantity of milk. The nurse's age, and the size 
and form of the breasts, are of importance, although women 
with very small breasts often give a profusion of milk. 
Women of lymphatic temperament, where fat predominates, 
are liable to have little milk ; and a generous diet, instead of 
increasing its quantity, seems only to become converted 
into fat. Whatever may be said to the contrary, it is a 
well-proven fact, that even the quality of food influences 
more or less the formation of milk. 

EXCESS. 

Besides the means above described to diminish excessive 
flow, Aconite and Bryonia, alternately, may be taken with 
advantage, particularly if there is feverishness ; and the 
breasts are greatly distended and painful. 

INSUFFICIENCY. 

A more distressing occurrence to both mother and child, 
however, is when the mother, through some constitutional 
abnormality, is not able to supply her infant with sufficient 



INSUFFICIENCY OF MILK. 169 

milk. Every means that may increase the secretion of 
milk should be adopted. Her diet should be nutritious; 
and, should the deficiency of milk seem to depend upon 
her weak condition, some stimulant, as ale, or soup with 
wine, may be partaken of with great advantage. 

TREATMENT. 

Agnus Castas has been found very useful when the milk 
disappears without any appreciable cause ; and the mother 
adds to her misfortune by brooding and despairing. Three 
drops of the tincture every three hours. 

China. When there is debility from the loss of animal 
fluids, particularly blood, or from diarrhoea or leucorrhcea. 

AssaftBtida is very highly recommended. Ten drops of 
the tincture, in a little water, should be taken every two 
hours. 

Anise-Seed and Bill-Seed, made into a tea, have been found 
useful. 

A decoction of Ricinus Communis (the castor-oil-plant) 
is used with great success by the nurses in some parts of 
South America. They make a strong decoction of the 
leaves, and with it bathe the breasts two or three times a 
day. It is said, that, after a few applications, the breasts 
begin to swell, and very soon discharge milk. It is used 
by professional wet-nurses to prevent the drying-up of their 
milk, and thus ending their occupation. 

Dr. Mc William reports so strongly in its favor, that it is 
very well worth trying, as no bad effect can follow the 
application. It should be applied warm, of course, and even 
in the shape of a poultice. The breasts which are deficient 
in milk should always be kept very warm; and warm 
emollient applications are always useful. 



170 LACTATION. 

Heydenreich Brothers, Chemists, at 169 Atlantic Street, 
Brooklyn, N.Y., now prepare a fluid extract of Bicinus 
communis, that is highly recommended. 



QUALITY OF MILK. 

Milk may be very fluent, and yet of a very inferior quality. 
To be good, it should be white, opaque, sweet, and of a very 
pleasant taste. It contains globules of fat or butter, caseine 
or cheese, sugar of milk, salts, and a little yellow matter. 
A drop of good milk on a plate of glass will not run off 
easily : it will maintain a globular form, and adhere some- 
what to the glass. Not so with milk deprived of its solids : 
it will run off quicker than water on the slightest inclina- 
tion of the glass. 

The health of the woman nursing is of importance ; for, 
while one disease may cause the solids to increase, and, 
in proportion, the water to decrease, another, vice versa, 
decreases the solids, and, in proportion, increases the water. 
The first will make the child liable to indigestions : the 
latter will deprive it of sufficient nutriment to maintain life. 

The age of the mother. Very young and very old 
women's milk is apt to be watery and unnutritious. 

Acute diseases tend to diminish the proportion of sugar, 
and increase the quantity of butter. In chronic diseases, 
the sugar remains the same ; but the solids are diminished. 
The milk of consumptive nurses is very deficient in butter. 

The inference is, therefore, that, when infants must be 
partly fed while the mothers are suffering from an acute dis- 
ease, less milk, and more sugar and water, should be added to 
their food ; and more milk, and less sugar, in chronic affec- 
tions. — Peters. 



QUALITY OF MILK. 1V1 

Moral affections, such as sudden joy, grief, fright, anger, 
disappointment, will alter the milk in the mother, and render 
it even dangerous to the child. When this is the case, the 
mother should refrain from nursing her infant until she is 
quite composed, and her hreasts have been, once at least, 
thoroughly emptied by the pump, or otherwise. Spasms and 
death to the infant have occurred in consequence of disre- 
garding this precaution. 

In nervous women, the milk is apt to be very thin, and 
of a greenish color. 

Menstruation. While, in some instances, women, al- 
though menstruating while nursing, have thriving infants, 
there are many whose milk deteriorates so much as to be 
insufficient for the nourishment of the child. This is soon 
discovered by observing that a child, although in apparent 
health, constantly loses in strength and flesh. 

Pregnancy during lactation is a very unfortunate occur- 
rence. 

It will not require a great strength of intellect to under- 
stand that the mother could not supply food to a being in 
the world while she is supplying food to one in her womb. 
One of the two must suffer ; and as the sympathy that 
exists between the womb and the breasts is such, that the 
latter are always affected by the conditions of the former, it 
will be so in this case ; and the milk will so deteriorate in 
quality as to be totally unfit as food for the child. 

The most experienced accoucheurs advise pregnant 
women to relinquish nursing from the moment that they 
find themselves pregnant. Isolated cases in which a 
woman has succeeded in raising a healthy, thriving child 
by her own milk, while she was pregnant, are not sufficient 
reason for a woman to disregard this general principle. 

Effect of certain alimentary or medicinal substances on 



172 LACTATION. 

the milk. It is an indisputable fact that articles of diet or 
medicine impart to the milk some of their properties, which 
are conveyed to the child through nursing. One has only 
to eat garlic to detect the odor, or saffron to detect the pecu- 
liar color, in the milk. Anise-seed tea, taken by the nurse, 
has cured flatulent colic in babies ; and a purgative taken by 
the nurse has often purged the child. In hereditary diseases, 
doctors have cured the child by treating the nursing mother. 

This experience should be sufficient to caution the nurs- 
ing mother against the use of such articles as onions, beans, 
cabbages, spirituous liquor, medicines, and all such things 
as are known to affect her disagreeably. 

Nurses who are poorly fed will find that the quantity of 
water in their milk is apt to increase ; while, in those who 
indulge in the pleasures of the table, the solids will increase : 
the former will make but poor milk, the latter too rich. A 
sensible woman can easily avoid these difficulties, and raise 
a healthy baby by adopting a reasonable diet. 

Violent exercise will affect the milk. The mother should 
never run home, and, as quickly as she enters her chamber, 
open her breast to the child. She should rest an hour at 
least after returning from a heated walk, cool down, and 
then nurse her baby. 



INCONTINENCE OF MILK. 

The retentive power of the mouths of the milk-ducts on 
the nipple is sometimes so greatly diminished as to permit 
the milk, when formed, to flow away continually. A want 
of tone in the fibres of these ducts is the cause of the 
incontinence. This may be a source of serious trouble to 
the mother, who, besides regretting to see the fluid that is 
to nurse her child flow away from her, is annoyed by the 
discomfort of having her clothes kept constantly wet» 



EXCESSIVE NURSING. 173 

Nipple-glasses well applied will prevent the milk from 
running over the dress. Such glasses are found in every 
drug-store. Still they should be used only when absolutely 
necessary; for, having the air exhausted in order that they 
may adhere to the breast, they draw, thus keeping on the 
flow which should be prevented. 

TREATMENT. 

Borax. Of the first decimal trituration, one powder of 
two grains should be taken every two hours. 

Borax or Alum lotions may be used externally with ad- 
vantage. 

TOO ABUNDANT SECRETION. 

The formation of milk may be so rapid and excessive as 
to greatly endanger the health of the mother. General 
debility, loss of appetite, a sensation of heat in the stomach, 
pains and dragging sensations in the back and chest, are 
symptoms that will soon make their appearance. If this is 
allowed to continue, the "nurse's consumption," so called, 
may be brought on. The patient gets weaker and more 
emaciated every day, until, hectic fever sets in as the pre- 
cursor of an early death. 

Weaning is, in such a case, peremptory, in order to save 
the mother's life. As soon as the milk ceases to form, the 
patient gains in strength ; and a change to the countiy will 
greatly assist in her ultimate recovery. 

EXCESSIVE NURSING. 

Dr. Tyler Smith says, " The cases of insanity which occur 
as the result of excessive nursing are very similar to cases 
of puerperal insanity, only that their symptoms come on in 
a more gradual manner. When nursing women complain 



174 LACTATION. 

of loss of sight or hearing, or headache, either their nourish- 
ment or stimulus should be increased, or suckling should be 
at once discontinued. Where there is any predisposition to 
insanity, mothers should not, if possible, be allowed to suckle 
their children. In all cases of this kind, the dependence 
of the mania upon exhaustion is abundantly evident. It is 
especially likely to happen when pregnancy and lactation 
are allowed to proceed simultaneously" 

Leddam gives the following symptoms indicating that 
nursing is affecting the mother : " A sinking and fainting in 
the region of the stomach with a sense of emptiness, which 
lasts a long time, and soon returns, even after food had been 
taken ; a general weariness and fatigue ; a want of refresh- 
ment from sleep ; an aching and dragging in the loins, and 
pain between the shoulder-blades, or in the side, beneath the 
left breast ; distressing exhaustion after the infant has been 
at the breast ; the pulse is quick and feeble ; the extremities 
cold ; short breath and palpitation at the least exertion, or 
on going up stairs. If the cause is continued, headache and 
vertigo, noises in the ears, numbness of the extremities, im- 
paired vision, loss of memory, irritability and despondency, 
with thirst, dryness of the tongue, and night perspiration, 
ensue. Pulmonary consumption may be developed ; leucor- 
rhoea, dropsy of the face and feet, profuse menses, neuralgic 
affections, supervene; and mania has not unfrequently 
formed the sequel." 

These symptoms are sufficiently formidable to warn 
women against too much and too long continued nursing. 
The fact that the child thrives is no reason for them to sacri- 
fice their life, when other means can be found to supply the 
child with food that will be equally good for it. . 

TREATMENT. 

Weaning should be at once commenced : the attempt to 
force the supply of milk by large and frequent quantities of 



THE MOTHER TO NURSE HER OWN CHILD. 175 

beer, wine, or spirits, will only tend to the more perfect 
exhaustion of the mother. If cocoa, wine-whey, weak milk 
punch, caudle, cheese, &c, aided by frictions of the breasts, 
do not suffice to keep up the strength of the patient, and a 
full supply of good milk, all further attempts should at once 
be abandoned. — Peters. 

Ferrum and China, 1st trituration or dilution, will meet 
the case whose symptoms are weakness, noises in the ears, 
palpitation of the heart, swelling of the feet or face, sleep- 
lessness, night-sweats, and leucorrhcea. 

Causticum. When the nervous symptoms predominate, 
accompanied by headache, noises in the ears, dimness of 
sight, great appetite, but with a sense of sinking and emp- 
tiness soon after eating, despondency of the mind, and 
twitching of the muscles. 

Calcarea and Phosphorus* Alternated every two hours, in 
cases where the symptoms of the chest predominate, such as 
cough, dry cough, weakness of the chest, tendency to bend 
over, bluish paleness of the face. Calcarea particularly in 
patients who are supposed to be tainted by scrofula. 

These remedies, when well selected, should be continued 
for a long time. 



THE MOTHER TO NURSE HER OWN CHILD. 

Can a mother in good health substitute a better nour- 
ishment for her own infant than her own milk? No. 
Whatever art or science may invent to replace the mother's 
milk, they will only succeed approximately, never inti- 
mately. Therefore, the mother who willingly refuses her 
breast to her babe lacks the very fundamental attribute 
of a mother, — love for her offspring. She is willing that 



176 LACTATION. 

her babe should have an indifferent or noxious diet rather 
than its natural food, inherited, and due to it as the most 
sacred of its rights. An unnatural mother she must be 
who is willing to relinquish the creature of her love to a 
cow, a she-ass, a goat, or to a woman, who, even from neces- 
sity, makes a trade of her breast. Morally, I should abhor 
the mother, who, conceited of her own beauty, enslaved by 
her own pleasures, held by the relentless grasp of fashion, 
could hush her maternal instincts, and refuse her bosom to 
her appealing infant, to plunge herself into the vortex of 
self-indulgence. The result may be frightful in the extreme. 
What if the nurse inoculates some hidden disease to the 
child ? What if an error in the preparation of artificial food 
should cause an indigestion that would carry the darling to 
its grave ? Would her apology, that other women have 
successfully raised children " by hand," hush and soothe the 
pangs of remorse that would overwhelm her, unless she is so 
far gone and hardened in self-indulgence as to be proof 
against the piercing throes of moral consciousness? Better, 
better never to have seen this godly offspring of your affec- 
tions, than bear the guilt of its extinction. 



THE MOTHER NOT TO NURSE HER OWN CHILD. 

Ill health, constitutional diseases which would make 
nursing a source of danger to the mother's life, or to the 
well-being of the child hereafter, and these only, should de- 
bar a woman from nursing her own infant. Slight irregu- 
larities, want of robustness and vigor, should not be too 
easily used as a pretext to relieve one's self of this duty. 
Women who have very small breasts, and a delicate organi- 
zation, supply often an abundance of good milk to their 
infants, with benefit to their own health. It must be borne 
in mind that this is a natural process, and that, therefore, 



EXTERNAL CAUSES TO PREVENT NURSING. 177 

there is more danger in not performing it than in allowing 
it to have its natural course. Nursing will prevent the 
engorgement of the breasts, abscesses, fissures of the nipples, 
and other difficulties a newly-delivered woman is liable to 
when she does not nurse. A woman of scrofulous constitu- 
tion, one addicted to recurring diseases of the skin, or sub- 
ject to hereditary diseases, — as insanity, consumption, 
syphilis, inflammatory rheumatism, gout, disease of the 
heart, — should not nurse her infant. In any such case, 
however, her physician should be consulted. 

Deterioration of milk is a sufficient cause to prevent the 
mother from nursing. (See " Quality of Milk.") 



EXTERNAL CAUSES TO PREVENT NURSING. 
MALFORMATION OF THE NIPPLE. 

The nipple may be more or less developed, and, according 
to its development, it may present more or less difficulty to 
nursing. There are instances in which the nipple is almost 
entirely obliterated, or has never been allowed to develop, 
through an early pressure made upon the breasts by tight 
corsets, and by false compresses, used to improve the ap- 
pearance of the shape, or to make a dress fit according to 
fashion. 

There are instances of natural malformation, also, where 
the nipple not only does not project, but actually occupies a 
depression, rendering it impossible for the child to get at it. 

Whenever such difficulties exist, the woman should adopt 
early precautions to improve the conformation of the nipple. 
A very good method, one which gives but little trouble, as 
it requires no assistance, is the daily application of the 
pump to the breasts two or three months before labor. Let 
the pump be applied so as to take the nipple within its 
chamber ; let the air then be exhausted by withdrawing 

12 



178 LACTATION. 

the piston, and the nipple will be pressed within the cham- 
ber, very much elongated. It should be retained there for 
fifteen and twenty minutes each time ; for thus may be 
gradually produced a well-shaped nipple where there was 
but an incipient one. After the application of the pump, 
wash the nipple and the surrounding areola with arnicated 
water, or with glycerine, or any fatty matter that will keep 
the skin supple, and prevent excoriations. The nipple- 
shields that are used to project the nipple by compressing 
around it through the pressure of the corsets are not very 
successful 5 and the constant pressure might cause ulcera- 
tion : hence this mode cannot be recommended. 

Suction by the husband or by an intelligent nurse is not 
only effective, but more natural, in the preparation of the nip- 
ples. This should be done twice a day. After each time, 
the nipples should be, washed with arnicated water, and 
covered with wax, as follows : take a piece of white wax, 
immerse it in warm water to soften it, spread it out, and 
then press it around a finger so as to give shape to it; 
then apply it so as to retain the elongated nipples within it. 
Another method to elongate the nipples is to tie a bit of 
woollen thread or yarn two or three times around the base 
of the nipple after having it gently pulled out with the fin- 
gers. It should be tied snugly, but not enough to impede 
the circulation : it can be worn three or four weeks. 

These processes should be commenced about two months 
before delivery, and continued until the nipples maintain a 
good and prominent shape. 

The same treatment may be used during nursing, if the 
nipples are too short. 

In case a child is so weakly as to be unable to draw from 
a short or an ill-developed nipple, let a stronger child nurse 
first, so as to give it shape, and cause the milk to flow freely. 
It may be necessary even to allow the weakly baby to nurse 
from an easy breast until it has become strong and vigorous. 



DISORDERS OF THE NIPPLE. 179 



INFLAMMATIONS AND DISORDERS OF THE NIPPLE. 

During nursing, erosions, excoriations, chaps, fissures, 
and cracks of the nipples, often occur, which render nursing 
not only painful, but unbearable. After nursing, do not 
expose the nipple to cold, but wash it with warm water, and 
protect it. The exposure of the nipple to cold may bring 
on an inflammation, which may be followed by ulcerations, 
chaps, and crackings. Women of a fine and sensitive skin 
are very liable to these troubles in the first month of lacta- 
tion, and should therefore be particularly careful ; for the 
pain caused by the child's seizing the nipple may be so 
great as to cause even an affectionate mother to relinquish 
nursing. Mothers of a very delicate skin should make the 
effort to harden the nipples before delivery ; and this can be 
done by gentle frictions with the dry hand, by repeated and 
daily applications of arnicated water, glycerine, or tannin. 
An ointment which may be applied with gentle frictions on 
the nipple for a month before delivery is the following: 
Cocoa-Butter, two drachms; Oil of Sweet Almonds, two 
drachms ; Tannin, two drachms. 

Alum- Water, Weak Brandy, and a Solution of Borax, have 
been variously used with success in preparing the nipples 
for nursing. 

When these erosions, cracks, and excoriations are present, 
nursing should be done as rarely as possible, so as to give 
time to the ulcers to heal. Great care should be taken to 
wash the nipples after each nursing ; first with warm water 
and white castile-soap, then with a solution of borax or alum. 
They should then be covered up with collodion. Collodion 
should be spread over the cracks and excoriations with a 
camePs-hair pencil : it will make a pellicle impervious to 
the air. If the baby's milk sours on his stomach, wash the 
nipple with lime-water. If the baby has the thrush (mi- 



180 LACTATION. 

nute ulcers in the mouth), wash the nipple with a solution 
of Borax. 

Glycerine may be applied with benefit. Glycerine and 
Tannin, equal parts ; is an excellent application. The nipple 
should be well washed, however, before offering it again to 
the child. 

For applications of ointments or solutions containing mer- 
cury, nitrate of silver, sulphate of zinc, or other powerful 
astringents or minerals, the physician should be consulted. 

An artificial nipple or shield may be used with great 
relief to the mother, if the child can be made to take it. 
To induce the child to take it, fill it up with warm milk as 
you apply it to the breast : as the child feels the flow of milk 
in his mouth, he will grasp it, draw the milk it contains, and, 
as the air between the shield and the nipple becomes ex- 
hausted, the shield will cling to the breast, and the process 
of nursing will go on with much less pain to the mother. 
The cracks will open even then ; but they would not be 
exposed to the friction and pressure of the child's tongue, 
and would therefore have a better chance to heal. 

Internal treatment, although I doubt its efficacy as long 
as an external irritation is kept up, is suggested by many, 
and m&y prove useful when the local irritation induces an 
excitement of the whole system. Graphites, Sepia, Arnica, 
Sulphur, may be tried. 



MIXED NURSING. 

The subject of " Insufficiency of Milk in the Mother's 
Breast " has already been treated. That paragraph, however, 
treats only of the manner by which the quantity of milk 
may be increased. When the quantity cannot be increased 
on account of some constitutional disturbance, or of some 
conformation of the breasts, the necessity follows, that the 



MIXED NURSING. 181 

child must receive some other nursing besides that of its own 
mother. 

Mixed nursing is one of the most dangerous modes of rais- 
ing children, unless great care is taken that the mixed food 
does not produce derangements of digestion. 
9 It often happens, that, after two or three months' nurs- 
ing, the mother becomes aware that her milk does not sat- 
isfy her child, and that, although in perfect health, it loses 
flesh all the time. The necessity is then apparent that the 
child must receive some other nourishment besides its 
mother's milk. 

A wet-nurse is the first means to be thought of to supply 
this deficiency, provided the mother can be reconciled to 
share with another being the nursing of her own child. We 
cannot but sympathize with the mother who is too jealous 
of her baby's love to allow any other woman to rob her of a 
part of it, and could not insist upon her relinquishing her 
maternal instincts, and taking a wet-nurse. In this case, 
cow's or goat's milk, or other things, as suggested in u Arti- 
ficial Feeding," should supply the deficiency. This should 
be done, however, as soon as possible ; for, the more the 
child becomes accustomed to the breast, the harder it will 
be to make it take the bottle. 

When mixed nursing is adopted, the mother should nurse 
the child in daytime, and feed it by the bottle at night : 
this will insure a good night's rest to the mother, so much 
needed for the formation of milk. 

After the fourth or fifth month, if the mother's milk still 
decreases, or becomes deteriorated in quality, or if the 
mother's strength greatly suffers in consequence, it would be 
well for her to give up nursing altogether. At this age, 
children under artificial feeding thrive better than they do 
at an earlier age, and there is little to fear for their welfare. 
At this age, many people commence feeding children with 
paps and panadas ; and as they are often successful, par- 



182 LACTATION, 

ticularly if the child thus fed is of a vigorous constitution, 
they advise others to follow their example. I must insist, 
nevertheless, that a child under ten months of age is safer 
when fed by cow's, goat's, or ass's milk, than by farinaceous 
food, however well it may be prepared. 

RULES TO BE OBSERVED IN NURSING. 

When the child is presented to the mother commences 
that period of nursing, which, with few modifications, is to 
be continue'd for many months. All the paragraphs in this 
work, treating of " Lactation," should be carefully perused 
and observed by the mother, to enable herself to maintain a 
good quantity and a good quality of milk for her child. 

Good habits are as conducive to the welfare of an infant 
as they are to a grown person. Habits are acquired through 
a persistent method of application, and, when formed, our 
system responds to them with regularity : a child may thus 
become thoroughly regulated by the will of the mother. 
Regular habits will greatly contribute to the well being of 
the infant; for its intervals of rest, sleep, or nursing, need 
never be interfered with, and the equilibrium of the func- 
tions of its organs so well maintained, that it could not get 
sick except through accident. 

Regular habits is the first lesson in the education of that 
being which can only grow by the fulfilment of all the laws 
of Nature. As the child commences with purely an animal 
life, so feeding is its first act, its first thought, its first desire, 
in maintaining its existence. Feeding plays the most im- 
portant part in the sustenance of its animal life. And, as 
the child cannot for some time bring its animal instincts 
under the discipline of reason, it follows that the mother 
must impart to it, through a method consistent with the 
requirements of nature, those habits which will be conducive 
to its well being. Only a woman who has brought up chil- 



RULES TO BE OBSERVED IN NURSING. 183 

dren regularly and irregularly can tell the ease and comfort 
derived from the former, and the difficulties and annoyances 
derived from the latter. Hence make your rules for nurs- 
ing, and adhere to them with a pertinacity worthy only of 
a mother who loves her child. 

Nurse your child at stated hours, and do not deviate by a 
minute : soon you will have the happiness to see that your 
child will awake only at those hours, as regularly as the 
hand of the dial points to them. The intervals will be 
periods of refreshing sleep to the child, and of needed rest 
to the mother. 

During the day, for the two first months, if your child is 
vigorous, nurse it every two hours ; during the third and 
fourth months, every three hours; after that, every four 
hours. Should you do otherwise, and should you nurse the 
child every time it cries, you will overload its stomach, with- 
out giving it a sufficient time to digest the food ; an error 
that will tend to gradually derange the digestive functions, 
and induce all its fearful consequences of indigestion. Be- 
sides, the child will soon begin to know that it can nurse 
whenever it cries ; and then it will cry very often, and give 
signs that it wants the breast every time. Should its cries 
sometimes be only the result of nervousness or uneasiness 
produced by indigestion, your nursing, instead of relieving, 
will only add fuel to the fire. Slow digestion will cause flatu- 
lence, flatulence will cause colic ; and when you think that the 
child cries and desperately throws itself about for food, it is 
only giving notice that it has cramp-colic in its belly. 
The fact that nursing often quiets the child is taken as an 
indication that it needed food. That is a mistake : a little 
more food may stupefy it, rendering it less conscious of its 
pains, but this is only temporarily so ; in a little while, the 
child will cry and writhe worse than ever. 

Children may cry even without any appreciable reason ; 
it is a way they have sometimes to entertain themselves ; 



184 LACTATION. 

they, too, like to hear their own voice. If that indulgence 
does them no harcn, let them cry : their lungs will receive 
the benefit of this muscular action. 

The cries of hunger, which may occur soon after feeding, 
if the mother's milk is poor in quality, are generally accom- 
panied by throwing the little arms about, turning the head 
to the breast, and opening the mouth to every thing offered. 

If the child is weak, and can nurse only a little at a time, 
it may, of course, be necessary to nurse it oftener ; but this 
should be done only with a perfect understanding of the 
child's condition. 

At night, the child should not be nursed as often as dur- 
ing the day. For the three first months, nurse it when you 
put it to bed, say six or seven o'clock, p.m. ; then at eleven 
or twelve o'clock; then at five or six, a.m. After that 
period, you may omit the midnight meal, and, if the child 
wakes, give to it a sip of water. This method will secure 
many an hour of good sleep to the mother, and give whole- 
some habits to the child. 

A child in good health generally wakes spontaneously 
when it needs nourishment. Some children, however, are 
slow in taking the nipple. In that case, wet the nipple with 
a little of the milk, and titillate the child's mouth with it 
until it takes hold. When the child does not wake, through 
constitutional weakness, it should be wakened at stated 
periods. If it is very weak, it may sleep almost constantly, 
and the mother may rejoice at the quietude of her infant ; 
but she will soon find that the child is less and less inclined 
to nurse after each prolonged sleep, that it cries very weakly, 
and is ready to go to sleep again. Such evidence of weak- 
ness is dangerous in the extreme ; and the child should be at 
once undressed, taken to a warm fire, and rubbed briskly 
with a flannel moistened with some stimulating substance, 
as alcohol, whiskey, brandy, or camphorated spirit ; and, if 
the child is still disinclined to nurse, milk should be drawn 



RULES TO BE OBSERVED IN NURSING. 185 

from the breast, and given with the spoon until there are 
signs of restoration of strength. It should be wakened every 
hour or two, and fed as above, until it is able to take the 
nipple, and nurse itself. 

It is difficult to say how long a child should nurse ; for 
what is plenty for one may be too little or too much for 
another : but, if in good health, the child may be allowed to 
nurse until it is satisfied, for Nature will relieve it by a good 
throwing up if it has taken too much. If the act of nurs- 
ing lulls it to sleep before it has had a fair allowance, wake 
it up, and it will go on nursing again. As soon as it has 
had enough, and drops asleep, put it in its cradle : do not 
retain it one minute longer on your arms, lest it might take 
cold, or contract such habits of sleeping out of its bed, that 
will be difficult to conquer when the holding the child 
becomes a labor, and ceases to be a pleasure. 

While the child is at the breast, notice if it swallows ; for 
often it plays with the nipple without drawing the milk : 
the act of deglutition is very apparent by the motion of the 
throat. 

Never neglect to make the child nurse at both breasts 
during the same meal : this will prevent engorgement of one 
breast while the other is emptied, and will also accustom the 
child to lie on either side without preference. 

In case the breasts become so distended with milk as to 
be painful to the mother, and make it difficult for the child 
to hold the nipple deeply embedded in them, the pump should 
be applied, and some milk drawn before nursing. 

Breast-glasses or reservoirs can be worn by the mother. 
The air in them being rarified by breathing hot air within 
them, they will gently draw as they cool, and receive milk 
that will flow from the over-extended breasts even by the 
pressure of the dress. These will act twofold : they will 
relieve the breasts, and save the dress'from being constantly 
wet and soiled. 



186 LACTATION. 

Nursing women require rest and sleep for the formation 
of plenty of good milk : consequently they should not keep 
the baby in bed with them; for it will soon learn its way to 
the breast, and nurse all night, even unknowingly to the 
mother. This would be very injurious to the child, besides 
exposing it to the accident of crushing or suffocation. If the 
mother has an attendant, let the latter carry the child to her 
at the stated periods ; if not, and the mother is compelled to 
keep the child in her own room, it is better that she should 
get up and take her child than run the risk of keeping the 
child in her own bed. A baby in her bed will sink lower 
than the pillow, and may eventually be covered over by the 
bed-clothes, compelling it to breathe the impure air ema- 
nated under them, while the purest air is necessary to its 
existence. 

Do not expose your breast to the cold air ; for, in its sensi- 
tive condition, it is liable to take up inflammation, which 
will end in abscesses or gathered-breasts, commonly called, 
so terrible to the mother, and dangerous to the child : avoid, 
therefore, nursing a child while taking a drive in a carriage, 
unless it is in a warm summer day. 

Never nurse a child immediately after a heated walk or a 
fit of anger : rest, and get cool. After a fit of passion, it 
would be better to draw out the milk with the pump, and 
wait for a fresh supply. 



WET-NURSE. 

The natural food for a child is woman's milk, not cow's 
or goat's. Whenever it is decided that the mother is not to 
nurse her infant, the breast of a healthy woman should be 
procured to fulfil the laws of Nature as to the child's diet. 

In the selection of a nurse, the physician should be con- 
sulted. No mother should engage a wet-nurse without 



WET-NURSE. 187 

her having been examined and indorsed by a skilful and 
conscientious physician. So far as her physical condition 
is concerned; he should be the only judge. 

The appearance of the nurse should be one to indicate 
health and strength ; her skin should be clear, and free of all 
eruptions. Enlargement of the glands around the neck 
indicate a scrofulous taint, which should be strenuously 
objected to. Cicatrices around the neck indicate a previous 
existence of enlargement and suppuration of those glands. 

Although beauty should not be an indispensable attribute 
of a nurse, a good face, a pleasant expression, will be agree- 
able to the mother, who must make of this woman almost a 
companion for several months. 

Intelligence, unstained character, and a general good 
disposition, are necessary qualities for a foster-mother. 

A bad countenance is as repulsive to a baby as to a grown 
person 

The probity and morality of the woman should be above 
suspicion. 

Since the moral, as well as the physical condition of the 
nurse, will influence the infant, it is important that she 
should be free of all vices and pernicious habits, such as 
a taste for liquors, an irascible temper, or a morose dispo- 
sition. Violent passion can induce such an alteration in 
the milk as to be poison to the child. Affliction, care, 
and despondency in the nurse, will render a child nervous, 
peevish, and restless. 

The age of a nurse should be inquired into; the ages 
between the twentieth and thirtieth year being the most 
suitable. 

The woman should be cleanly in her habits, and moderate 
in eating and drinking. 

If she has her own baby at the breast, its appearance will 
be a criterion of her ability to give wholesome food to a 
child. 



188 LACTATION. 

She should put away her baby when she undertakes to 
nurse yours, for very cogent reasons. 

The nurse should have been delivered three or four weeks 
before the mother, to be sure that she has regained her 
strength, and is free from all the irritations concomitant 
with the puerperal state. But as the woman's milk may 
be too strong for a newly-born baby, and, moreover, as her 
milk then will not contain the colostrum (that element found 
in the first flow of milk, which acts as a natural cathartic to 
the child to clear its bowels of the meconium), it is well 
to allow the child to nurse from its mother for a day or two, 
until it has dejected that blackish matter which would 
otherwise be retained as an irritant to its bowels. 

A voluminous breast is not always an indication of a 
great power to supply milk ; for, generally, it is fat that 
renders it massive. A small breast with large glands often 
supplies more and better milk. 

For the quality of milk, the paragraphs on that subject 
will be applicable to wet-nurses as well as to mothers. 

Although a nurse may be in a perfect condition when 
she is engaged, perhaps a month or two before she is 
required, she should be examined at the time she is to take 
the child ; for in the interval elapsed her condition may have 
materially changed. 

Should she become pregnant during nursing, she must be 
given up for another. 

A woman who has nursed several children would be more 
acceptable than one who never nursed before ; for her expe- 
rience in handling and taking care of a child may be of 
great advantage, particularly if the mother is young and 
inexperienced. One who has several children is not apt to 
brood over the separation from her own child as a new 
mother would. It is true that a woman who has raised 
children may have contracted ways and habits which are 
objectionable, and which will be difficult for her to relin- 



REGIMEN AND DIET OF NURSING-WOMEN, 189 

quish; still, even then, it is better than that the child 
should suffer from ignorance. 

If a mother is compelled to engage a wet-nurse after 
having nursed her own baby for a few weeks or months, she 
should see that the nurse's milk is not much older than her 
own. A difference of two or three months would not be 
objectionable, if the baby is older than six months. 

See that the nurse and her child are not affected by a 
sore mouth or sore eyes. 

Should the nurse's milk seem too rich for the baby, she 
should not nurse it to repletion ; and, after each time, she 
should make it drink a little sugared water : this would 
dilute the milk in the child's stomach. 



REGIMEN AND DIET OF NURSING- WOMEN. 

From the earlier paragraphs on " Lactation," — " Insuf- 
ficiency of Milk," "Quality of Milk," "Effects of Certain 
Alimentary or Medicinal Substances on the Milk," etc., — 
the mother or wet-nurse may gather by direct advice, or 
by inference, much instruction in regard to regimen and 
diet. 

A woman who is to bear the fatigue of nursing and at- 
tending a child should be supplied with a generous diet. 
Rich beef-broth, beef, poultry, and game, roasted or broiled, 
should form the most important part of her meals. She 
may partake of vegetables, with the exception of onions, 
garlic, cabbages, carrots, and beans. Highly-seasoned food 
should be avoided, as well as an excess of mustard, pepper, 
vinegar, pastry, and other indigestible condiments. Coffee 
should be avoided altogether, and tea (black) used with 
great discretion. Green tea should be avoided. 

Although the woman should eat enough to satisfy her 
appetite, she should take care not to overload her stomach ; 



190 LACTATION. 

for indigestion, vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation would 
follow, to the detriment of the child also. 

Rest, and freedom from anxiety and care, are indis- 
pensable. 

Healthy exercise and pure air, avoidance of dampness 
and colds, in fact, every thing conducive to health and 
good habits, should be carefully attended to. 

It is a common practice to supply a nurse with much 
food, and strong drinks, such as ale, porter, &c, to induce 
a plenty of rich milk. This is often a great error ; for, in 
thus forcing her powers of assimilation, you may defeat the 
very object you want to attain, by rendering her liable to 
all the terrible effects of indigestion. It is also a common 
remark, that "mothers who are suckling may eat any 
thing ; " but do not forget that bad food cannot make good 
milk any more than bad food can make good blood. 

The hours for meals should be regular ; and late dinners, 
or eating late at night, are not conducive to the health of a 
nursing-woman any more than to any other. 

The use of tonics and stimulants should be avoided, 
except when ordered by the physician. 

A wet-nurse should be allowed exercise according to her 
previous habits. Had she been a working-woman, she 
should be employed in light duties -about the house. Was 
she a country-woman, do not confine her to heated cham- 
bers, but let her go often in the open air. 



RAISING A CHILD BY HAND. 



Whenever human milk cannot be procured, or, by reason 
of its disagreeing with the child, it cannot be used, some 
proper method of feeding must be adopted for the preserva- 
tion of its life. 

This is a subject of great importance, — one which requires 
all the attention of the mother and the physician ; for 
statistics show that the mortality of infants is much greater 
among those who are raised by hand than among those who 
are raised at the human breast. 

In different countries, and even among the mothers of the 
same country, different means are adopted to feed children 
artificially. And as each of these methods has its adherents, 
and each is, by turn, pronounced successful and unsuccessful, 
it becomes of great moment to investigate the merits and 
demerits of each before deciding upon one on which your 
infant is to be raised. 

Cow's, goat's, ass's, and ewe's milk are used. " Solidified," 
" condensed " milk, farinaceous articles, and broths, are used. 
Infants have been put to the teat of animals. 

A young mother, making inquiries among her lady- 
friends of how her child should be fed, will hear one or the 
other of these extolled or condemned, until she will be at a 
loss which to select. 

Milk is unquestionably the best food for an infant. When 
woman's is not to be used, that of animals must be substi- 
tuted. But, as each varies from the others in its constituents, 
an analysis has been made of the principal ones, in order to 
learn the proportions of the constituents as they exist in 

191 



192 



RAISING BY HAND. 



each, to enable us to supply the deficiencies, or reduce the 
superabundance. In this way, the milk of animals may be 
rendered of the same quality as that of the human female. 

The following table will serve as a guide : the fractions 
have been nearly all omitted, as unimportant, and somewhat 
confusing : — 



Mile. 


Specific 
gravity. 


1000 parts contain 


The solid constituents are composed of 


Fluid. 


Solids. 


Sugar. 


Butter. 


Caseine. 


Incombus- 
tible salts. 


In Woman . . 

" Cow 

" Ass 

" Goat 

• Ewe 


1032 
1033 
1034 
1033 
1040 


889 
8G4 
890 
845 
832 


Ill 

136 
110 
155 
168 


43 
38 
50 
36 
39 


26 
36 
18 
56 
54 


39 
55 
35 

55 
69 


1.38 
6.64 
5.24 
6.18 
7.16 



From the above table, we learn that the solid constituents 
of Ass's Milk are arranged in the same manner as human 
milk ; and it therefore suggests itself as the most appro- 
priate milk for infants' food. The great objection to this 
milk is the difficulty in obtaining it; for while, in some 
countries, the ass is found in abundance, in others it is hardly 
found at all, and, even in those countries where it is found 
in plenty, its milk is very expensive. Ass's milk being 
deficient in oily matters, it is suggested that a little cream 
(about the twentieth part) be added to it. This milk pos- 
sesses also some laxative properties, which are not always 
desirable. To counteract such an effect, Henry Marsh 
recommends heating it to a boiling-point; and others 
recommend the addition of about one fourth of lime-water. 



Cow's Milk is the next substitute, and the most generally 
adopted. But as this milk contains more caseine, and less 
sugar, than human milk, it is necessary to dilute it with 



water, and sweeten it with sugar. 



The degree of dilution must vary according to the age of 



COW'S MILK. 193 

the infant. For the two first months ; to the milk should be 
added an equal quantity of water ; from the second to the 
sixth month, one third ; afterwards, the child may have it 
pure. 

A medium-sized lump of crushed sugar is sufficient for 
sweetening it. 

The temperature of the milk should be as near as possible 
to the temperature of milk just drawn ; namely, from 90° to 
95° Fahrenheit. To prevent burning in heating it, the 
bottle containing the milk prepared for use should be put in 
a pan containing warm water, and there left until it has 
acquired the proper temperature. To be sure that you get 
it to the right temperature every time, a thermometer should 
be used. 

The milk that remains in the bottle after feeding should 
never be used again. Every time the child is to be fed, the 
milk should be prepared as recommended above. 

The bottle should be kept scrupulously clean, and, once a 
day, it should be washed with scalding water. 

The nipples, as soon as used, should be cleaned, and 
allowed to remain in water until they are wanted again. 

The little sponges that are used to prevent the too great 
flow of milk in the nipple should also be carefully cleaned 
every time, and kept in water. 

The quantity of cow's milk that a child should take each 
time will depend upon its age and upon its natural require- 
ments ; for while one child is easily satisfied, and thrives on 
two ounces of milk every two hours, another will require 
more. As a general rule, to an infant of one or two months, 
two or three ounces are sufficient ; from the second to the 
fourth month, from four to five ounces ; afterwards, from six 
to eight. This seems a very rapid increase of food ; but as, 
in the latter months, the child is not fed so often, the 
quantity it takes in twenty-four hours is not so great as it 
may appear at first thought. 



194 RAISING BY HAND. 

The quality of the cow's milk is of great importance. 
The milk of a healthy cow is slightly alkaline : this alkalinity 
may be changed into an acidity by improper food. 

A cow shut up in a stall ; and poorly fed, will give a milk 
greatly deficient in solid constituents, and very liable to 
become sour. 

Cows kept in the city, and fed on carrots, garbage, &c, 
will give a very inferior milk. It is therefore preferable to 
obtain milk from a cow that is at pasture, or that you are 
sure is fed on hay, straw, clover, or such forage as horses 
feed upon. Whenever it is apprehended that the milk may 
have an acid re-action, it should be tested with litmus-papery 
and, if found so, a little lime-water may be added to 
render it slightly alkaline. 

Great caution must be exercised in the selection of a per- 
son well known for honesty and integrity to supply the 
milk; for an ignorant and careless person may think it 
but a light trick to give you the milk of one cow instead of 
another : this little trick, however, may cost your child's life. 

Engage the milk of one cow, which has just calved, and 
keep taking it from her until you have good reasons for 
changing. Examine the milk every time you receive it ; do 
not trust ignorant servants or nurses ; see to it yourself, and 
the milkman will conclude that you are in earnest in this 
matter, and will not attempt deception. 

New milk should be brought morning and evening ; for it 
will not keep sweet twenty-four hours without chemical 
means, which should not be allowed. 

Many nurses heat the milk to the boiling-point as soon 
as they receive it, and keep in a cool place, in an open vessel. 
This treatment will prevent its turning in a few hours, even 
in a warm day. 

A thunder-storm will turn the milk : this electrical influ- 
ence gives the milk an acid re-action, and renders it unfit 
for use. 



ARTIFICIAL FOOD. 195 

"Solidified" and " Condensed " Milk. Professional itin- 
erants, such as actors, &c., who are unwilling to leave their 
cares behind, by necessity use such milk, as fresh and good 
milk could not always be obtained ; and it would be danger- 
ous to a child to thus change daily the quality of the milk. 
But " solidified " and " condensed " milk are not made by the 
same process. The process now used in " condensing " re- 
quires no chemical adjunct ; while the " solidified " requires 
the presence of bicarbonate of soda, and one-fourth of sugar. 
Hence, for an infant, I would recommend the " condensed " 
in preference to the " solidified." 



ARTIFICIAL FOOD OTHER THAN MILK. 

On this subject, Dr. West says, " Food must answer two 
distinct purposes : one is to furnish materials for the growth 
of the body, the other to afford matter for the maintenance 
of its temperature ; and life cannot be long supported except 
on a diet in which the elements of nutrition and the elements 
of caloric bear a certain proportion to each other. Now, in 
milk, the proper food of infants, the elements of the former 
are to those of the latter in proportion of 1 to 2 ; in arrow- 
root, sago, and tapioca, as 1 to 26 ; in wheaten flour, as 1 to 7. 
If to this we add the absence, in these substances, of oleagi- 
nous matter, which contributes to the fat of the body, and 
the smaller quantity and different kinds of salts they con- 
tain, it becomes at once apparent, that, by such diet, the 
health, if not the life, of the infant, must almost inevitably 
be sacrificed." 

Mu;h care must therefore be exercised in the selection, 
as well as in the preparation, of farinaceous diet for chil- 
dren. 

Lentil-Powder, of all vegetable substances, is consid- 



196 RAISING BY HAND. 

ered the best substitute for milk ; mucb preferable to 
pap, or pulp of wheat-bread, which, from the absence of 
chloride of potassium, and the frequent presence of alum, 
is unfit for use. As food for children with atrophy and 
debility, lentil-powder is invaluable. 

Take one dessert-spoonful of lentil-powder, and let it soak 
for half an hour in a gill of water 5 then add half a pint of 
water, and let it- boil slowly for two hours, skimming, and 
adding water, to maintain the same quantity, as the water 
diminishes in boiling. 

Crumb of Bread. This should be boiled four or five 
hours in water, taking particular care that it does not 
burn ; then add a little sugar. When the infant is two or 
three months old, add a little new milk, gradually increas- 
ing the quantity as the child becomes older, till it is nearly 
all milk, there being only enough water to boil the bread. 
The milk should not be boiled. 

Flour. Take a pound of flour, put it in a cloth, tie it 
up tightly, and put it in a saucepan of water, and let it 
boil four or five hours ; then take it out, peel off the outer 
rind, and the inside will be found quite dry and hard : it is 
then to be grated into a powder. A small quantity of the 
powder should be made into a gruel with water or milk. 

This gruel is considered binding, and is used when the 
bowels are relaxed, and other things do not agree. 

Flour is also used as follows : Take one dessert-spoonful 
of flour, add five tablespoonfuls of water, mix thoroughly, 
put over the fire, and add five spoonfuls of new milk, and a 
bit of sugar, in a saucepan ; the moment the milk boils, pour 
into it the flour and water ; stir well, and let it be over the 
fire about twenty minutes. 

This is excellent where the bowels are relaxed. 



ARTIFICIAL FOOD. 197 

Rusks should be boiled for an hour with water; then 
strained ; well beaten up, and slightly sweetened with sugar. 
For children older than one year, rusks are excellent when 
just baked, hard and crispy. 

Crust of Bread should be prepared like rusk. If the 
child's bowels are costive, brown sugar should be used instead 
of white. 

Rice-Powder. A dessert-spoonful to six ounces of milk or 
water. The rice-powder should be first soaked in a little 
water for half an hour ; then it should be poured into the 
milk or water intended to be used, which should be at a 
boiling-point ; let it boil twenty minutes, stirring all the 
time to prevent burning ; then sweeten, and serve it to the 
infant, in the bottle. 

Arrow-Root. Take of the best Bermuda arrow-root one 
teaspoonful ; put it in a large cup, and add, by degrees, two 
tablespoonfuls of cold water or milk ; mix thoroughly until 
perfectly smooth, then add half a pint of water or milk ; put 
the whole in a clean saucepan, place on the fire, and con- 
tinue stirring until it has. boiled two minutes ; then pour 
out, and add a teaspoonful of sugar; mix thoroughly, and 
serve promptly. 

When milk disagrees, it should be made with water. 

If sugar is not desirable, put a little salt instead. 

If a child is weak, and much emaciated, a teaspoonful of 
sherry wine should be added to this gruel. 

Oatmeal, Sago, Semolina. Take two dessert-spoonfuls of 
either ; place in an open basin, gradually pour in a pint of 
milk or water, rub down with the spoon so as to mix thor- 
oughly ; then place the whole in a clean saucepan, and 
expose it to a gentle fire until it boils. Allow it to boil five or 
six minutes, still stirring ; then add a little sugar, and serve. 



198 NURSING AND REARING OF INFANTS. 

A teaspoonful of sherry may be added for a weak child. 
If sugar does not agree, it should be omitted, and a little 
salt used instead. 

Barley. Barley-water is very much used in France. It 
is made as a strong tea, three or four teaspoonfuls of the 
barley to the pint of water. It should be allowed to boil a 
couple of hours, then strained, and served. 

Glands Doux (sweet acorns) is an article highly recom- 
mended in France. It comes all ready for use, and is com- 
posed of the flour of sweet acorns, with some other essential 
alimentary substances. 

It is very nourishing, and is excellent for delicate children 
of scrofulous constitution, with irritation of the stomach and 
bowels. 

These farinaceous articles should be used according to 
circumstances : they generally would agree with infants that 
have already passed the most tender period of their infancy. 
They should be selected with care in cases where milk does 
not digest, or irritates the stomach. 



ANIMAL EOOD. 

Very weak children, or those exhausted by spells of sick- 
ness, may require stronger food than milk and farinaceous 
substances. In many instances, broth agrees with certain 
conditions of the digestive powers better than the above 
articles. Again : milk is made stronger by the addition of 
chicken, beef, or veal broth. Great caution ought to be 
exercised in the adoption of animal diet for an infant, and, 
except under the most exceptional cases, it should not be 
used before an infant has attained the age of six months. 

Beef-Broth. Take one pound of the lean of prime beef, 



ANIMAL FOOD. — DRESS. 199 

whether from the rump or shin ; cut it in very small pieces ; 
place the meat so cut in a hollow dish, and add just 
enough cold water to moisten it ; allow the meat so moist- 
ened to stand aside, covered over, for three-quarters of an 
hour ; then add a teaspoonful of salt ; stir well, and pour in 
ahout two pints of water ; stir again, and put the whole in 
a stew-pan upon the hob, so that it may just rise to sim- 
mering heat. As soon as the liquid begins to simmer, skim 
and remove all fatty matter ; allow the liquid to simmer for 
about fifteen minutes ; pour off in an open pan ; strain 
through a fine cloth, and serve. 

This broth may be used warm or cold. It will keep 
twenty-four hours in warm, and forty-eight in cold weather. 

Mutton-Broth, Yeal-Broth, are made like beef-broth. 

Chicken-Broth. Select a well-grown chicken, not too old 
nor tco young. The broth of very young chicken is as 
laxative as a cathartic. Skin the chicken, and to one-half 
add half a pint of water ; place it in a hollow dish ; cover 
over and set aside for twenty minutes ; then add one tea- 
spoonful of salt, and a pint more water ; place the whole in 
a clean saucepan upon the hob, and near the fire; when 
it simmers, skim (as directed for beef-broth). Let it sim- 
mer for an hour and a half; skim continually ; pour and 
strain through a cloth, and serve. 

Preparations of Chocolate, such as Racahout, Alkethrepta, 
and also Liehig's Food, come with directions, and should be 
used only under the advice of a physician. 



DKESS. 

This subject is treated at length, both as affecting infants, 
children, and young girls, in the latter part of this book ; 
and to that the reader is referred. 



200 NURSING AND REARING OF INFANTS. 

CLOTHING WHILE ASLEEP. 

Some children are constantly throwing themselves about 
while in bed, and uncovering themselves, a habit, which, 
during winter nights, would be dangerous. To avoid any 
accident, clothe them in a flannel suit from the neck to five 
inches below the feet. Guarded in this manner, children 
can never be so exposed as to take cold. 

Swaddling-clothes, an inheritance of barbarism and igno- 
rance, (thank Heaven ! ) are gone out of fashion. 

If a child's head perspires during its sleep, and the evapo- 
ration cools the head too rapidly, causing the child to sneeze, 
and to act as if it had a cold in the head every time it 
awakes, a cap made of floss-silk will be sufficient to pre- 
vent this difficulty. 

CLOTHING DURING SICKNESS. 

A child should have a wrapper, buttoned in front, with a 
belt around the waist. In winter, it should The of flannel ; 
in summer, of muslin. This leaves the body of the child 
free, and quite accessible to an examination by the physi- 
cian. Often the physician has to auscultate the chest in 
diseases of the lungs, and the skin in eruptive fevers ; and 
the child sometimes becomes so worried in undressing for 
the purpose, that it defeats all attempts at examination. 

CLOTHING DURING AND AFTER A WALK. 

For a walk, dress the child comfortably, according to the 
season and weather. If it is warm when it returns, do not 
take its things off at once, lest it cool too rapidly ; but let 
it play a while in the room, with its things on. After it 
has cooled, remove all unnecessary clothing. 

WASHING AND BATHING. 

Washing implies cleanliness ; and bathing, such ablutions 
as invigorate and strengthen the body. 



WASHING AND BATHING. 201 

The skin being a membrane that constantly scales off 
and renews itself; one which exudes fluids for its own 
elasticity ; one that cools the body through its sudoriferous 
glands ; one that absorbs elements of nutrition from the air 
through its lymphatic system, exposed as it is to attrition, 
deposits of dirt, &c., — it becomes of vital importance that it 
should be kept clean. To maintain a healthy state of the 
many functions of the skin, repeated washing and constant 
cleanliness is absolutely necessary. Dirt not only interferes 
with the functions of each of those delicate mouths of the 
pores that can be seen only through the microscope, but 
engenders a foul cover, which is in itself a poison, and which, 
in turn, may become absorbed, and cause the foulest diseases 
of the skin. 

What mother would expose a child whose surface is milk 
and roses to a corruption from which every delicate and 
refined person must shrink ? 

The child should be washed all over once a day. Nothing 
but pure, white castile-soap and water should be used. 
The water should be lukewarm ; in summer, it may be used 
cold. The best way is to have a baby-tub, with sufficient 
water to dip the child in. It may be kept in from five to 
ten minutes, never longer. Children learn to love their 
bath. If the child is very weak, or appears weaker after a 
bath, it should only be sponged. Give the bath in a room 
sufficiently warm to prevent its taking cold during the pro- 
cess of ablution. Do not let the child go out immediately 
after a bath, particularly if you use warm water. If the 
child takes a nap in the morning, give it the bath imme- 
diately before its nap ; for thus it will sleep sweetly, and 
awaken refreshed. Alcohol, whiskey, and other stimulating 
substances, are often put in the bath ; but this should not 
be done without the advice of the physician. 

A restless child has often been put to sleep by giving a 
quick bath. 



202 NURSING AND BEARING OF INFANTS. 

Wash the child's head as well as the body; wash away 
any scurf which may be on its scalp with a soft brush. If 
the scurf is hard, grease it at night, and it will wash off 
readily in the morning. 

See that its diapers are immediately changed when 
soiled : this will prevent chafing. 

Bice-powder may be sprinkled on the parts liable to chafe, 
after each washing or removal of a napkin. 



AIR AND EXERCISE. 

You might just as well deprive a child of its food as of 
fresh air. Therefore, keep the child in a large airy room, 
that has the sun for several hours. Two weeks after birth, 
unless the child is very weak, it should be taken out in the 
open air, and promenaded. It is better it should be drawn 
in its little carriage than carried in the arms. Not only 
would carrying expose the child to the danger of a fall (for ; 
even allow that the nurse would not let it drop, she is liable 
to fall on an orange-peel, a frozen surface, &c.) ; but the pres- 
sure, the squeezing of the limbs together ; is hurtful : and, 
when it commences to sit erect, its back is too weak to sup- 
port the body for two and three hours. The child should be 
sent out every day, unless it storms, or is very windy : in 
winter, in the middle of the day ; in summer, morning and 
evening. It should never be out when the dew falls. 
After the sixth month, the child may remain out several 
hours. 

Caution. Be sure of the honesty of your nurse. Order 
that, while out with the child, she should enter nobody's house 
and nobody's kitchen ; for it is a favorite pastime of nurses 
to visit friends when ostensibly out to promenade with their 
little charge ; and then your child will pass from hand to 
hand, — from the arms of a fat, greasy cook to the arms of a 



SLEEP. 203 

lean washer-woman with wet clothes. Enjoin that nothing 
should enter that child's mouth when out, except its bottle, if 
it has one ; for, to the little rosy and smiling chub, a cake, a 
cracker, a piece of sugar or candy, will be constantly offered ; 
and you may rest assured that your nurse will never tell you. 
Bitter experience makes me give this caution. 



SLEEP. 

For a few weeks after their birth, babies will sleep almost 
all the time. They will awake to nurse only, and will fall 
asleep immediately after. As they grow older, after the 
second month, they will sleep less and less, until they take 
regular naps. Finally, they will only sleep at night, and 
two or three hours in the middle of the day. While the 
child is asleep, you need not walk on your tip-toes for fear 
of awakening it : this will make it so sensitive to noise, that 
it will awake at every slight jar, which would be an incon- 
venience to itself and its attendants. Walk and talk as 
usual about the room without making extra noise : this will 
soon give the child the habit of sleeping through a good deal 
of noise. Do not let it fall asleep in your arms, if you can 
help it. When you think the child ought to go to sleep, put 
it into its crib while awake : it will soon get the habit of 
thus going to sleep, and will save you an immense amount 
of trouble. 

Lay it now on one side, again on the other, though it is 
better it should get the habit of sleeping on the right side 
than on the left : this will prevent pressure on the side of the 
heart. 

Be firm in giving these habits to your child ; for they will 
bring good results. 

Do not rock your children, and have no rockers to your 
crib. A child who acquires the habit of being rocked asleep 



204 NURSING AND BEARING OF INFANTS. 

will make of you a rocking-chair, which will soon cease to 
be a pleasure. 

Do not approach a child too suddenly while it is awaken- 
ing ; for you will give it a fright, and make it nervous. Let 
it hear your voice before you present yourself. Strangers 
should never approach a child at such a moment. You need 
not take up your child instantly after awakening, else you 
will give the habit, and it will cry unless so taken up. If 
you lay it down a few moments, it will soon begin to play 
with the bed-clothes, and eventually give as much time as 
you want to make preparations. 



WALKING. 

Do not be too anxious to have your child walk too soon, 
and, above all, do not force it to do so. As soon as the child 
has the strength to support its own weight, it will start off 
by itself, and walk. The danger in making a child walk too 
soon is, that, as its bones do not yet contain sufficient earthy 
matter, they will bend. From this may come a permanent 
deformity, as bandy -legs, &c. 



WEANING AND TEETHING. 

The period of weaning varies according to circumstances. 
Some hold that a child ought to be weaned at nine months 
of age, believing, that, as the child remains in utero nine 
months, it should not derive sustenance from the mother 
more than nine months after it is born. This is erroneous, 
of course ; for while one child may be safely weaned at nine 
months, and earlier, others cannot be weaned with safety to 
themselves until the fifteenth or eighteenth month. I have 
known mothers, through great anxiety (and even from pru- 



WEANING AND TEETHING. 205 

rient desire), to nurse a child two and three years. It is 
unnecessary to say that that would he utterly wrong. 

Often the weakness, or some malady, of the mother, com- 
pels her to wean the child at very unseasonable times ; but, 
allowing every thing to be normal, the dentition of the 
child should be the only guide in weaning. It is very true 
that children often have no teeth, or have not completed 
their dentition, until they are a year and a half, and two 
years old. Still, if the mother is healthy, and does not 
seem to suffer from the nursing, it is better that she should 
keep on nursing, at least partially, until the disorders 
attending dentition have passed ; for it often happens that 
a sick child would take no artificial food, while it would not 
refuse the breast. After the twelfth month, however, the 
child should have some stronger nourishment than its 
mother's milk, else its development would be slow and 
weak. 

When the child has six or eight teeth, it may commence 
to suck a piece of rare beef every day. A slice or two of well- 
baked bread with a little butter spread on it, a little rice, 
arrow-root, the yelk of an egg } may be . given. A roasted 
potato, provided it is mealy and healthy ; a little corn-bread ; 
the bone of a chicken, — are things that, one after the other, 
may suit. In this way, the child will get all the nourish- 
ment it needs, and ymk not give up entirely its mother's 
breast. This system will also prepare the child for a final 
and complete weaning without trouble. The paragraphs 
on " Bringing up a Child by Hand," and " The Ways of 
Preparing Food," will be suggestive here. 

As the evolutions of teething are a cause of irritation to 
the child, the summer season, and the season of hot days 
and cold nights, which so often engender diseases of the 
intestines, would hardly be a proper time for weaning. 
For I repeat, that, under such circumstances, it will be diffi- 
cult to find food that agrees with the child during diseases 



206 NURSING AND BEARING OF INFANTS. 

of the bowels better than its mother's milk ; and often the 
child refuses every kind of food except that. A child, 
although ten or twelve months old in the month of April, 
should not be iveaned entirely until October or November, 
in order to have a safe diet in case of disorders of digestion 
during the summer season. 

Teeth are rather irregular in their evolutions ; but the 
iverage of their growth is the following : — 

" Between the sixth and eighth month, the first two lower 
incisors come through, at an interval of from one to fifteen 
days, though generally on the same day ; and, when these 
two first do not appear within two or three days of each 
other, the dentition is irregular. When this is over, the 
child rests. It rests from two to six months. 

" The four upper incisors are a month in coming through. 
First the middle, and then the lateral ones, appear, and that 
occurs between the tenth and twelfth month. 

" From the twelfth to the fifteenth month, those of the 
third series come through ; namely, the four first molars, 
and usually, after them, the two lower lateral incisors : then 
the child rests for four or five months, during all which 
time the evolution of teeth is suspended. 

"Between the eighteenth and twenty-second month, the 
four canine (vulgarly called eye and stomach teeth) make 
their appearance, and are three monies in getting through ; 
after which there is a very long repose. 

" Finally, the child gets its four last molars." 

There are then twenty in all. 

No general rule, however, can be laid down, from which 
there will not be frequent variations. I have known chil- 
dren who never showed a tooth before the fourteenth month, 
and did not finish teething before they were three years 
old ; being robust and healthy all the while. There is a 
case on record, in which the child did not get any of its 
teeth until it was ten years old. On the other hand, there 



WEANING AND TEETHING. 207 

are cases of precocity of action in teething, in which a child 
had eruption" of the two lower incisors at birth ; and some 
were even born with those two teeth. 

The first stage of teething, however, is between the third 
and fourth month of infancy, and constitutes what is called 
breeding the teeth, or the conversion of the pulpy rudiment 
buried in the gums into a solid material, which shoots 
downwards, aud gives to the tooth its fang. During this 
process, the child is ill at ease, wants to bite, and drools. 
Parents, noticing these symptoms, watch for the appear- 
ance of teeth, which do not come for three or four months 
after. 

During these periods of teething, the child is restless and 
fretful ; but its sufferings are paroxysmal, and disappear as 
soon as the tooth cuts through. The intervals between the 
series give a chance to the child to recover from the illness 
thus caused • and it is fortunate, indeed, else many a human 
being would sink under the process. It not unfrequently 
happens that the irritation is so severe as to induce fever, 
cough, drowsiness, and dangerous diarrhoea. Eruptions of 
various kinds may break forth, and put the child even in 
jeopardy of life. 

It is then that a mother may be thankful if her child is 
not weaned. 

The best time to wean the child, then, is during its 
longest intervals of rest from teething, and that would be 
after the canine or eye-teeth have appeared (the longer and 
most troublesome in their coming), unless dentition is so 
very late as to make it impracticable. 

Probably the easiest way to wean a child is to give the 
child at once to another woman ; for the presence of the 
mother will be a constant reminder to the child that she 
holds nourishment from it. The gradual process is, how- 
ever, a good one ; for the child will be then already accus- 
tomed to the change of diet. 



208 NUESING AND BEARING OF INFANTS. 

When a child is unwilling to give up the breast, it may 
be made disgusted with it by applying to the nipple a little 
Quassia amara, or any thing which would cause aversion. 



VACCINATION. 

There is no subject upon which men cannot be*found 
ready to cavil ; so vaccination does not go exempt from hyper- 
critics. The fact that, in one case in a thousand, small-pox 
affects and pits a man who has been vaccinated is enough 
for them to cry it down as an illusion. The common sense 
of the people and the general experience are in favor of it ; 
and, this time, we will say, "Vox populi, vox Dei," and 
recommend it. We will forget the exceptional cases, and 
believe in this great protector from the dangerous disease. 
While Jenner, in 1796, instituted vaccination against the 
most formidable opposition of Governments and Church, it 
has gained so much favor since, that now both Government 
and Church order it, and make it a compulsory act. Na- 
tions and communities are not apt to go mad about an illusion ; 
and, if they did, their madness would not last seventy-four 
years without abatement. Some people have a preference 
for inoculating with the original cow-pox ; for they fear that 
indirect vaccination may transmit latent diseases from the 
child it is taken from. Accidents of this kind have hap- 
pened, of course; but they are very rare indeed, and can 
easily be obviated by an intelligent physician. Vaccine- 
matter from perfectly healthy subjects can be had without 
difficulty : therefore it cannot be the fault of vaccination 
if a physician is indifferent to the welfare of his patients. 
On the other hand, physician and vaccine-matter are often 
blamed when the bad result is only due to a discrasia or 
latent humor in the child, who, after vaccination, breaks 
out with some eruption. 



VACCINATION. 209 

A child may be vaccinated at any time from the third 
month to the third year, except in times of small-pox epi- 
demics, when it should be done even immediately after 
birth. 

Symptoms of Successful Vaccination, After the third 
day, a small red spot, somewhat elevated, appears where the 
puncture was made : this will continue to enlarge until 
the tenth or eleventh day, when it begins to decline and de- 
siccate. During this process, which sometimes commences 
later, a slight fever occurs, which makes the child fretful : 
as the inflammation around the pustule subsides, the fever 
subsides also, until it is all gone. The drying process begins 
with a brown spot in the centre, and goes on increasing, 
until nothing but a dark scab is left. 

Children of an excessively nervous temperament are liable 
to be very restless, and even have convulsions, during the 
process of inflammation. The inflammation is generally at 
its height on the eighth day. In plethoric children, a sort 
of rash or varicella is apt to occur all over the body, but will 
do no harm. From the eighteenth day, the scab will fall 
off. 

It is said that a reliable proof of the prophylactic virtue 
of the vaccine is a scab, flat and depressed in the centre, 
which should not be fully formed until the eighth or ninth 
day. A full convex scab, formed within three or four days 
after vaccination, is not considered reliable. 

It should leave a distinct scar, which should remain for 
years. 

If the fever is very high, accompanied by great thirst 
and restlessness, a few doses of Aconite will be useful. 

If the nervous symptoms predominate, the face is flushed, 
head hot, and the child jerks or twitches, Belladonna 
should be alternated with Aconite until all the symptoms 
have abated. 

14 



210 NURSING AND REARING OF INFANTS. 



EAELY TRAINING. 

In the latter part of this book, I have discussed the phys- 
ical, mental, and moral training of children with considerable 
care, and shall refer the inquiring reader to that portion of 
the work. There are one or two little things, however, 
which are of importance in the earliest years of a child, 
which I will simply mention. 

And first, as you would not expose its delicate flesh to the 
slightest injury, so do not expose its nerves of sight, hearing, 
taste, or smell to strong sensations. A horrible sight may 
throw it into a spasm 5 a shock to the hearing impair that 
function ; a peculiar taste or smell render it sick. Be cau- 
tious in all these things. 

Again : the fact that a child cannot convey its thoughts 
in speech is often taken as a conclusion that the child does 
not think. This is an error ; for how do you account for 
the many thoughts and wishes so well expressed as soon as 
it can talk ? It very often excites the bystander's wonder 
with its simple sayings. I have often heard mothers ex- 
claim, " When and where did the child learn that ? " The 
fact is, the child has been listening and learning all the time 
that you thought it was leading but a passive vegetating life. 
Therefore, say and do nothing before an infant, however 
young, that you would not have the infant repeat. The 
language that you use before it will be the language it will 
use to express itself when older. And let me assure you, 
that as the child learns mechanically, as it were, without 
reason or discretion, it will be exceedingly difficult afterwards 
to make it comprehend what is incorrect or wrong, in fact, 
impossible for several years to come. See " Physical and 
Moral Training of Children." 

Let the associations of the child be such as can teach it 
only correct and refined language. It is a mistake to have 



EARLY TRAINING. 211 

an ignorant nurse, who deforms your language every time 
she speaks, as a companion to your child. The child will 
learn a good language as easily as a bad one, and will not 
have to spend its best years of study in learning that which 
it should have known. 

In watching an infant's progress, I have often thought 
that it was wrong to speak to it what is commonly called 
baby-talk ; and, under the impulse of the moment, I wrote, 
in 1869, the following article, which was published in " The 
Mother at Home," and attracted some attention : — 

" Is there a language for babies ? I have made a study 
of philology, yet I never found a lexicon for such language. 
Nevertheless, every mother and every nurse has a language 
for her baby. Generally, it is a distortion of her own ; often 
a language of unmeaning words. Is it a law in the nature 
of the child that it should understand this lame, deformed 
language better than the mother's pure and perfect one ? 
This reminds me of the one who takes excruciating pains 
to distort his own language so as to make the foreigner 
understand him better. 

" In the mother, it is an affectation, playful and loving, if 
you please ; yet it cheats her child into learning what it must 
soon unlearn. The affectation of language is often pretty : 
the Tuscans reach your heart with their melodious prattle ; 
the Venetians attract you by a jargon that is pleasant to the 
ear ; the Parisian inveigles you into the belief that he carries 
his heart on his lips. All this is done by a combination of 
sounds untrue to their real vernacular, by a combina- 
tion of manners untrue to their real nature. 

" I have no doubt that the mother, in the playfulness of 
her love, likes to feel that her baby is a creature unique ; 
that there never was one like it ; and that it must be ad- 
dressed unlike other human beings. 'Baby go day-day/ 
I have learned is intended to convey the idea to her baby 



212 NUBSING AND HEARING OF INFANTS. 

that it is going to take a walk; 'Baby go by-by/ that the 
baby should go to sleep ; i Ta-ta ' is used to impart to it a 
sense of thankfulness, &c. 

" Yet how cruel ! That very baby has to learn that all 
such talk is foolish, and that it will be necessary it should 
say ' walk/ * sleep/ ' thank/ as soon as it comes in contact 
with other mortals. 

" This language of playful loving mothers is often the 
cause of their children's lispings and affectations that become 
ridiculous in proportion as they grow older. 

" I know children who cannot talk a plain language at 
seven years of age, and others who at three talk a correct 
grammatical language. 

" I am from a country where a dialect was spoken, and I 
know how much labor it cost me to learn a language I should 
have known without studying. 

" Teach to your baby the language you speak, correct in 
pronunciation, correct in grammar, and refined in choice. 
You will surely one day feel a sense of pride in hearing the 
praises bestowed upon the good language of your child. 
Remember that praise or censure passed upon your child's 
language will reflect upon you as the educator." 



PAET IT. 



DISEASES OF CHILDHOOD. 



213 



EXTERNAL SYMPTOMS. 



SYMPATHY WITH CHILDREN. 

Dr. Meigs, in his work upon diseases of children, reports 
the following conversation with a gentleman whose child he 
was called to visit. The gentleman had had the misfortune 
of losing two children, and had very little faith in doctors. 
Said he, "My child is very sick, and I wish you to come 
and see it," adding, "if you think it is worth while. You 
know," said he, "that, with regard to the complaints of 
young children, it is all guess-work ; for they can't explain 
any thing." — " Guess-work ! " exclaimed Dr. Meigs, " I feel 
more at home in asking the child what is the matter with 
it than in asking you what is the matter with yourself. I 
can always know what is the matter with the child ; for it 
never misleads me : but men and women constantly mislead 
me, or endeavor to do so." In other words, he might have 
used the saying of Talleyrand, that " language was made to 
disguise thought." Those two men were both right : this 
may seem a paradox, yet I can explain. 

There are people who have no intuitive knowledge of 
children, and no sympathy for them. There are others who 
seem to enter into the feelings of a child ; they sympathize 
with it ; they understand it. If I may be allowed to com- 
pare an infant to a dog, — a very sensible animal, however, — 
I will remind you, that, while a dog will bark at one person, 
it will wag its tail at another, having an intuitive feeling that 

215 



216 EXTERNAL SYMPTOMS. 

the one dislikes and the other loves it. So it is with a baby. 
It will shrink from one, and will smile and be happy with 
another. A child is to the former a sealed book which he 
must divine ; to the other, he is an open page that he can 
read. It is not every man who is fit to be a child's physician. 
It is not every woman who is fit to be a child's mother. A 
person whose heart gladdens, whose face beams with pleasure, 
at the sight of a child, will understand its symptoms, 
although the child cannot express them. Only such a per- 
son is fit to have the care of children ; and, as Dr. Meigs 
says, that person " will be at home M with them : they will 
not deceive him. 



SPECIAL EXTERNAL INDICATIONS. 

Of course, the same symptom may indicate any one of 
many disorders ; but I give here the general direction in 
which to look for trouble when any of the following exter- 
nal signs are persistently present, or when, in time of illness, 
new symptoms appear whose cause or source is not appar- 
ent. This list of " external indications " is not to be used 
as a manual for anxious alarms when children have small 
ailments, but as a partial guide and assistance to an intelli- 
gent search for the causes of marked unnatural conditions. 

CRIES. 

The crying of hunger is easily discovered by the quiet 
and cheerfulness following nursing. But crying after nurs- 
ing, or refusing the breast at the same time, is a symptom 
of great significance. 

A short wheezing cry immediately after birth denotes 
" weakness, or an asphyctic or apoplectic " condition. 

A sharp, quick, unappeasable cry, accompanied by draw- 
ing up of the limbs, would indicate " colic." 



CRIES. — VOMITING. 217 

A spasmodic, intermittent cry, with great restlessness, toss- 
ing of the head, and fear of any approach, would point to 
"ear-ache." This may be ascertained by trying gentle 
pressure on one ear, and then on the other. The slightest 
touch on the painful side will cause a piercing cry, and great 
anxiety in the child. 

Crying, accompanied by crowding the fingers in the 
mouth, and attempt to bite, would indicate " pain from 
teething" 

Crying from coughing, "pain in the chest." 

Crying, with an attempt to vomit, nausea, indigestion, 
"pain in the stomach." 

Crying, from touching a particular limb or a part of a 
limb, " rheumatism or a hurt." 

Crying without any apparent cause, with a disposition to 
lie down, " sleepiness." 

Crying without an apparent cause may be caused by 
the " pricking of a pin," or " pinching from some part of the 
dress." 

Crying without an apparent cause, while the child is 
alone with the nurse, may be due to a little pleasure she 
may take to herself to worry it, maltreat it, so as to be 
relieved of the charge. 

VOMITING. 

Vomiting generally denotes indigestion. Some infants 
vomit very easily, and even after every repast, without 
injury. Still, this would indicate that " the child takes too 
much " or that " the milk is too rich or too poor." If the 
child vomits the milk in a cheesy condition, it is evident 
that it suffers from " acidity of the stomach ; " if it vomits 
the milk clear, that its stomach is too feeble to digest it. 

Tossing the child up and down, or rolling it on a flat 
surface, immediately after nursing, will induce vomit. 

Teething, tight bandaging, may also induce vomit. 



218 EXTERNAL SYMPTOMS. 

Sudden emotions of the mother or the nursing-woman, 
affecting the milk, will disagree with the child, and cause 
vomiting. 

Vomiting is also the precursor of disease. It precedes 
"eruptions of the skin, measles, scarlet fever," &c. It 
accompanies " dropsy of the brain." It may indicate the 
presence of " worms." 

Vomiting accompanies " whooping-cough " during almost 
every paroxysm. 

Vomiting, accompanied by obstinate constipation, may 
indicate H stricture, or knotting of the intestines." 

Sudden and unusual vomiting without a known cause 
may be induced by the swallowing of unfit articles of diet, 
a fruit, a piece of cracker or cake, a piece of potato. Ex- 
amine carefully the ejections. 

DIAKRHCEA. 

Diarrhoea indicates " irritation of the intestines," induced 
by unsuitable food, by a cold, or by a sympathetic irrita- 
tion from teething. 

TONGUE. 

A white-coated tongue indicates slight " gastric derange- 
ment." 

A leather buff-coated tongue, u inflammation of bowels 
and liver." 

A dry, red-pointed tongue, " great irritation of the in- 
testines." 

A tongue coated by patches, "inflammation of the 
stomach." 

A yellow-coated tongue, " derangement of biliary secre- 
tions." 

A shiny, glazed tongue, and especially if chapped or 
cracked, " ulceration of the bowels." 

A strawberry-looking tongue, " scarlet fever." 



MOUTH. — APPETITE. — THIRST. 219 

Thrush and ulcerations on the tongue ; " imperfect diges- 
tion, and tendency to diarrhoea." 

A tongue covered with small white granulations, as if of 
coagulated milk or cheese, " thrush." 

A pale tongue, malarious " intermittent fever." 

A dry, dark-brown tongue, low state of " typhoid fever." 

MOUTH AND FAUCES. 

Ulcerations and cheesy deposits have been mentioned in 
the above paragraph. 

Redness of the soft palate, Uvula, Larynx, "sore- 
throat," and, when other symptoms corroborate, "scarlet 
fever." 

A red tumor on each side of the soft palate, " inflamma- 
tion and enlargement of the tonsils." 

A leather buff-color deposit on the tonsils, palate, and 
larynx, "diphtheria." 

Great inflammation and tumefaction of the whole cavity, 
without deposits, " quinsy." 

Slightly elevated white ulcers on the tonsils, " ulcerated 
sore-throat." 

APPETITE. 

Ravenous appetite, in diseases of the u mesenteric 
glands," and when " intestinal worms " are present. 

Want of appetite, disordered digestion, or some oncoming 
fever, jaundice, eruptions, &c. 

Canine or insatiable hunger, " tape- worm." 

THIRST. 

Intense thirst indicates a high degree of internal fever, 
such as inflammation of the mucous membranes of the 
stomach, bowels, &c. 

It is present in diarrhoea ; but is very great in cholera. 



220 EXTERNAL SYMPTOMS. 

BELLY. 

Distention of the belly indicates the presence of gases 
in the intestines, " flatulency." It is also present in great 
" inflammation of the bowels ; " but, in this case, the great 
tenderness and sensitiveness to touch will distinguish it 
from the former, in which friction is grateful. 

Drum-like distention of the abdomen in fevers is a very 
alarming symptom. 

A very large, fat abdomen indicates U coarse food and 
overfeeding." 

A very emaciated and sunken belly, " tuberculous disease 
of the intestines." 

STOOL. 

Very loose and repeated stools indicate " diarrhoea " from 
cold, or some noxious articles of diet ; " teething, worms," &c. 

Green stools, " bilious diarrhoea and acidity of the 
stomach." 

Green and white stools, "indigestion and bile, acted 
upon by acids." 

Mucus mixed with stools, " catarrh of the bowels." 

Mucus, and bloody, jelly-like small stools, inflammation 
of the rectum, " dysentery." 

Rice-water-like stools, " cholera." 

Very dark, watery stools, in long fevers. 

Black stools indicate the presence of blood from the upper 
intestines. 

Clay-colored stools, inactivity of the liver, " deficiency 
of biliary secretions." 

Frothy and fermented stools, u bad digestion." 

Costiveness during fever may point to inflammation of 
the bowels. Costiveness may indicate deficient secretion 
of bile and of the glands of the intestines, debility of the 
intestines, obstruction of the bowels. 

Frequent small stools, with straining, " dysentery." 



BREA THING. —CO UGH 22 1 

BREATHING. 

In health, breathing is regular. An infant will breathe, 
when quiet or asleep, from twenty to twenty-five times in a 
minute. The inspirations can easily be counted by noticing 
the rising of the dress on the chest, caused by them. 

Quick breathing indicates fever, or inflammation of some 
organ. During fever, an infant will breathe from forty to 
fifty times in a minute. When it goes above that, it indi- 
cates a deep-seated, dangerous inflammation. 

Slower respiration than natural, " great weakness and 
fainting." 

Moaning and sighing during breathing, " inflammation 
of the bronchial tubes, or pneumonia." 

Hot breath, a very high degree of fever, also " inflam- 
mation of internal viscera." 

Cold breath, " sluggish circulation, mortification, and the 
last stages of fatal diseases." 

Battling breathing, " accumulation of mucus in the bron- 
chial tubes, from inflammation." 

Labored breathing with great wheezing all throughout 
the chest, even without fever, " asthma." 

Bough, hoarse, and whistling breathing, "croup." 

Offensive breath, "foul stomach, worms, indigestion." 
A symptom of the " last stages of fevers." 

Acid breath, " acidity of the stomach." 

Quick, short breathing, as if cut short by pain, " pleurisy." 

Short breathing, followed by an occasional long, labored 
breath, "congestion of the lungs," or "presence of water 
around the lungs." 

Simple oppressed breathing, without signs of inflamma- 
tion, " indigestion." 

COUGH. 

Sudden cough at night without any previous ailments, 



222 EXTERNAL SYMPTOMS. 

with difficult and hoarse inspirations, a cough with a hoarse, 
dry ', graty, shrilly, metallic sound ; " croup." 

Harsh, painful, and loose cough, accompanied by fever, 
accelerated breathing, " catarrh of the lungs." 

Dry cough accompanied by high fever, difficulty of breath- 
ing, "pneumonia." 

Barking cough, with wheezing through the lungs, labored 
breathing, a spasmodic cough that takes the breath away ; 
child, making violent efforts to breathe, is almost thrown 
in convulsions, with cold sweat breaking out on the fore- 
head, and cough terminating in a shrill, sonorous, crowing 
respiration ; " Asthma Millari." 

Hollow, dry, irritating cough, accompanied by sneezing, 
running water at the eyes, fever, is a precursor of " measles." 

Spasmodic hurried cough, losing the breath in coughing, 
with redness of the face and vomiting ; comes on at regular 
intervals; child makes great efforts to get his breath while 
coughing ; succeeds only with a hollow, dry noise ; "whoop- 
ing-cough." 

Incessant hacking cough early in the morning, before 
nursing, relieved by nursing, sometimes attended with 
jerking and starting during sleep, grating of the teeth, 
rubbing at the nose, coated tongue, fitful appetite, indicates 
" worms." 

Dry spasmodic cough is often an accompaniment of 
" teething." 

URINE. 

Straw-colored, " natural." 

Dark, with or without deposit, " fever." 

Copious red deposit in urine after standing, " rheumatism." 

Very dark brown, of mahogany color, "jaundice." 

Excessive, "disease of the kidneys." 

Suppressed, and passed by small quantities with pain, 



PULSE. 223 

often red and scalding ; " inflammation of the bladder or 
urethra." 

Copious quantity of urine, with sediment after a few days 
of fever, generally indicates a favorable crisis. 

Milky and copious urine, presence of " worms." 

Incontinence of urine, weakness of the neck of the blad- 
der, and presence of " worms." 

Scanty and dark urine, is usual during diarrhcea, or after 
sweating. 

PULSE. 

The pulse in an infant is a very unreliable indicator. 
While an infant's natural pulse ranges from eighty-five to 
a hundred, the slightest emotion, crying, laughing, playing, 
or fear, may send it up to from a hundred and twenty to a 
hundred and thirty. When the pulse keeps, while the 
child is quiet, above a hundred, accompanied by external 
heat and quick breathing, fever is present. When it rises 
above a hundred and forty, it indicates deep-seated inflam- 
mation ; when under eighty, weak and irregular, dangerous 
weakness. Thready-running pulse, with hardly perceptible 
undulations, approach of death. 



TEMPERATURE. 

Chilled skin, accompanied by " goose-flesh," is a precursor 
of fever. 

Excessively hot hands and feet indicate fever. The 
degree of heat bespeaks the degree of fever. 

Constant dry, harsh, hot skin, indicates "tuberculous 
disease of the abdomem" 

Cold skin, followed by a stage of heat and sweat, 
"intermittent fever." 



224 EXTERNAL SYMPTOMS. 

A sudden fall of the temperature during eruptive fevers 
is a dangerous symptom, indicating a fatal termination of 
the disease. 

SKIN. 

A canary-yellow skin, in patches, or yellow all over, indi- 
cates "jaundice." 

The skin feels tense and full in " eruptive fevers/' 

A bright red skin, showing an equal efflorescence all 
over (not in spots or patches, nor in granulations), which 
becomes white under the finger on pressure ; " scarlet 
fever." 

An efflorescence of dark-red patches, with minute eleva- 
tions, and which does not turn white on pressure ; " scarlet 
rash." 

Small, brownish-red, irregular spots, leaving the skin 
in a normal condition in the interspaces, making their 
appearance on face and neck first, and then becoming 
confluent, and extended gradually down the body; "mea- 
sles." 

Small, hard, pointed, red elevations, resembling blind 
pimples, which in two or three days become inflamed at the 
base, and depressed in the centre ; " small-pox." 

Small globular elevations, having for a head a transpar- 
ent blister, resembling those induced by drops of scalding 
water, " chicken-pox." 

A little miliary eruption, like small flea-bites, indicates 
summer heat, and u eruption from teething." 

A rash of red, elevated and irregular patches, sometimes 
whitish on the top, intensely itchy, indicates "hives, or 
nettle-rash," induced by indigestion, or unsuitable articles 
of diet. 

A very fine eruption, without inflammation, which con- 
tains a little yellowish fluid that can be squeezed out, 
intensely itchy, invading principally the hands and wrists, 



ASPECT. — VOICE. 225 

and the spaces between the fingers, indicates " scabia," or, as 
it is vulgarly called, the "itch." 

A dry, scaly, inflamed eruption, which appears in rings, 
a ringworm." 

Small, numerous, whitish pustules, with a red basis, dis- 
charging yellow pus, which dries and makes a crust, appear- 
ing in clusters on the scalp, and spreading over other parts 
of the body, intolerably itchy ; " milk-crust." 

EXPRESSION AND ASPECT. 

Pallor of the face, " anaemia." 

A dusky flush, "pneumonia." 

Anxious expression, " disease of the heart." 

Pinched and contracted expression indicates great suffer- 
ing. 

Redness, " simple and eruptive fevers." 

A fixed, indifferent look, " convulsions." 

Rolling upward of the eyes, " disturbance of the brain," 
probably water on the brain. 

Pujfiness, " diseases of the kidneys or heart." 

Contracted pupil, " disorder of the brain." 

VOICE. 
Hoarseness, u inflammation of the larynx." 

SLEEP. 

Restlessness and sleeplessness augurs some derangement 
which requires attention, — "teething, ear-ache, nervousness, 
indigestion," &c. 

GLANDS. 

Swelling of the glands, in front of and under the ear, 
" mumps." 

15 



226 SPECIFIC DISEASES, 

Chronic swelling, inflammation and suppuration of glands 
around the neck, " scrofula." 



SPECIFIC DISEASES OF INFANTS. 

* 

Having in previous chapters fully entered into the man- 
ner of raising infants so as to shield them from the disorders 
of bad nursing and general mismanagement, the specific 
diseases to which they are liable until after their first den- 
tition will claim my earnest attention in the following 
chapter. 

It is the object of this work to be brief, concise, and within 
the scope of general intelligence, without regard to a special 
medical education. I therefore shall not discuss the 
etiology and pathology of each disease, which would be 
important only to a physician. 

It will be my endeavor to give true and reliable symptoms, 
and the distinctive characteristics of each disease, so as to 
make it easy for lay-readers to understand every case. 

ELONGATION OF THE HEAD AT BIRTH. 

The infant's head being often larger than the outlet of 
the mother's pelvis would allow, Nature has provided that 
the bones of the cranium can slide one over the other, so as 
to reduce its diameter. During this process, what the head 
loses in width it gains in length, inducing an elongation 
which is very disfiguring. This elongation, however, is only 
temporary ; for very soon it is perceivable that it gains its 
rotundity and proper proportions. 

2fo treatment is required : a few days will enable Mature 
to restore itself in all its intended beauty. 



RUPTURES. — INFLAMMATION OF THE NAVEL. 227 



EUPTURES. 

protrusion of the navel (Umbilical Hernia). 

Carelessness in pulling at the cord during labor, bad 
dressing of the navel, and sometimes a congenital weakness 
of the muscles of the abdomen, induce this disorder. 

TREATMENT. 

Reduce it first by gentle pressure with your fingers on 
the navel ; then make a pad containing a coin, or a flat piece 
of lead ; place it on the navel, and secure it by a suitable 
bandage. 

Other ruptures should be treated by a physician. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE NAVEL. 

It not unfrequently happens, that the navel, during the 
process of formation after the separation of the cord, be- 
comes very much inflamed, the inflammation spreading 
even considerably around it ; and, if not properly attended 
to, it may ulcerate. 

TREATMENT. 

Apply pledgets of lint dipped in a cold infusion of Flax- 
seed or Slippery-Elm: if ulceration is threatened, dip the 
pledget in Calendula-Water, of the following strength : fif- 
teen drops of the tincture of Calendula to fifteen table- 
spoonfuls of water. 



SIMPLE INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES. 

Nature Of the Malady. Inflammation of the mucous mem- 
brane lining the lids, and reflecting over the eye. The 



228 SPECIFIC DISEASES. 

Meibomian glands within the edges of the lids are also often 
invaded. 

Causes. Too sudden exposure of the eyes to a strong 
light, uncleanliness, a scrofulous constitution. 

General Symptoms. Redness, lachrymation, agglutina- 
tion of the lids, sensitiveness to light. 

TREATMENT. 

Keep the eyes clean. When they are inflamed, wash 
them under the lids with a camel's-hair brush with warm 
milk and water. Should this not be sufficient to allay the 
inflammation, give Aconite internally, three pellets every 
four hours. 

If the child dreads the light, and cries whenever exposed 
to it, give Belladonna, the same as Aconite. 

If the lids agglutinate, give Euphrasia in the same* 
manner as Aconite. 



SCROFULOUS OPHTHALMIA. 

This is a very serious inflammation of the eyes ; and the 
distinctive symptoms are : on pressing your fingers on, or on 
opening, the lids, a jet of pus streams out. This is such a 
formidable disease, that it should be intrusted only to the 
care of a skilful physician. 



CRYING, RESTLESSNESS, AND SLEEPLESSNESS. 

Children often cry, or are restless and sleepless, without 
any apparent reason. It may be owing to slight indigestion, 
to a nervous irritability from teething, or from some atmos- 



CORYZA. — SWELLING OF THE BREASTS. 229 

pheric cause. At night, although the child may not appear 
in any way sick, it is, nevertheless, a cause of anxiety and 
trouble to have it cry. One dose of Coffea will probably 
correct this nervousness. If the head or gums are hot, 
a dose of Belladonna will be preferable. Aconite and 
Chamomilla are also sovereign remedies in quieting that 
irritability. 

CORYZA (Snuffles). 
OBSTRUCTION OF THE NOSE. 

This has already been mentioned. A slight current of 
cold air on a child's head unprotected by a good crop of 
hair, the sweating of the head of some children during sleep 
without a cap, often induce that obstruction of the nose 
commonly called " snuffles," and, by medical men, " coryza." 

Por such symptoms as would indicate dryness of the nose, 
give Nux V., morning and evening. But if the nose runs 
water, and even excoriates the nostrils, give Arsenicum* 

When these symptoms become chronic, however, give 
Calcarea, twice a day, for one week, and Sulphur, twice a 
day, for another week. 

Should the catarrh extend to the chest, which would, at 
every inspiration, give a rattling sound, give Tartar-Emetic. 
— Stibium. 



SWELLING OP THE BREASTS. 

Infants are liable, soon after birth, to have swollen 
breasts, which many people have erroneously believed to 
contain milk. Do not squeeze them, but apply an emollient 
and warm poultice : a lint dipped in warm sweet oil is often 



230 GASTRIC DERANGEMENTS. 

sufficient. A little camphor mixed in lard makes often a 
very good ointment. 

Medical treatment is hardly required ; but if the breasts 
are red, and much swollen, Belladonna or Mercurius may be 
given. 



GASTRIC DERANGEMENTS. 

SORE MOUTH. 

Nature of the Malady. Inflamed and ulcerated spots 
(apthce) in the mouth. 

Causes. Disordered stomach ; weak digestion ; uncleanli- 
ness ; mismanagement in nursing ; mixed food ; attrition 
of the child's tongue and gums against the nipple, thus 
inducing the same ulcerations in the mother's nipple. They 
often appear in the low stage of fever, from inflammation 
of the intestines. 

General Symptoms. Some parts of the tongue, palate, or 
gums, become inflamed, and soon form in whitish or yellow- 
ish pimples, which break, and form distinct and separate 
ulcers. 

PREVENTIVE TREATMENT. 

Wash the child's mouth every time after nursing ; do the 
same to the nipples. Keep the child in the open air ; let 
its nursery be a dry and sunny one. Do not overfeed it. 

MEDICAL TREATMENT. 

Apply a weak solution of Borax to the ulcers, three or 
four times a day. If the ulcers are deep, invade the throat, 



SORE MOUTH. — THRUSH.. 231 

and emanate a disagreeable odor, give Mercurius Solubilis, 

six globules every four hours. If the ulcers look pale, rag- 
ged, and are accompanied by diarrhoea, give Arsenicum, 
three globules every four hours. If the ulcers look foul, 
discharge matter, have uneven edges, and the child vomits, 
or has a watery diarrhoea, give Sulphuric Acid, six globules 
every four hours. 

THRUSH. 

Nature of the Malady. Inflammation of the mucous 
membrane of the mouth, often extending to the stomach 
and intestines. The tongue, and even the whole mouth, 
and, as far as can be seen, the throat, are covered by 
granular white deposits, like curdled milk, which coalesce, 
and make a general coating. 

Characteristic Symptoms. This disease differs from the 
above, although it is often confounded with it ; and is by 
far more formidable and dangerous. These minute white 
spots, on being removed, bleed easily, and show an inflamed 
under-surface. The apthoe in the " sore mouth w cannot be 
removed by brushing. 

General Symptoms. The child's health fails, and gives 
evidence, by emaciation, that nutrition is imperfect. As 
soon as the mouth becomes covered with the granular white 
deposit, nursing becomes difficult and painful. Fever soon 
sets in ; and the brushing-off of the deposit is immediately 
followed by a new crop of the same. The child loses 
strength daily, and drowsiness comes on. As the inflamma- 
tion extends downwards, the intestines become affected; 
and a dangerous diarrhoea sets in, which threatens to end 
the child's life by exhaustion. 

Causes. Want of cleanliness ; foul air ; damp rooms ; 



232 -GASTRIC DERANGEMENTS. 

damp summer weather ; indigestion ; use of sugar-teats ; 
unwashed nipples, on which the milk is allowed to sour ; 
the bottle, and artificial nipples, for children raised by hand, 
left unclean ; sucking from a breast or artificial nipple, that 
has been used by a child affected by the disease ; association 
with children thus affected. All these causes must of course 
be avoided. 

TREATMENT. 

As soon as the white granules appear, wash them off 
gently with a linen rag dipped in cold water, and apply to 
the exposed surface, with a camePs-hair pencil, Borax and 
Glycerine, prepared as follows : Half a drachm of Borax 
one drachm of Glycerine, dissolved in one ounce of water. 

Take care to wash the child's mouth every time after 
nursing ; do it very gently, so as not to cause bleeding of 
the raw surfaces. 

When the disease gains in intensity, the stomach becomes 
irritable, and then cheesy deposits are passed in the stools. 
Borax (10th) should be given internally. A powder of one 
grain should be given every three hours. 

Sulphuric Acid should be given when the following symp- 
toms appear : great weakness ; mouth very sore ; the deposits 
re-appear soon after being brushed off; dry tongue or profuse 
salivation ; sour eructations ; the breath smells sour ; gulping 
up of milk, smelling sour ; desire to vomit ; vomiting ; sensi- 
tiveness at the region of the stomach ; diarrhoea, watery or 
green ; flatulency and pain during stool. 

The Sulphuric Acid may be given sufficiently strong to 
have an acidulated taste : of this, one teaspoonful every three 
hours. Some find sulphuric acid (30th) quite effective : of 
the latter, six globules every two or three hours may be 
given. 

Bromine (3d) will be found very efficient in case the 



THRUSH. 233 

Sulphuric Acid does not improve the case in forty-eight 
hours ; and particularly when the deposits coalesce, and 
form a memhrane that can only he removed with difficulty. 

If in solution, put ten drops to ten teaspoon fuls of water, 
and' give one teaspoonful every two hours, until the mem- 
hrane detaches and falls off, without a tendency to re-form. 

As soon as the disease has fairly yielded to the ahove 
treatment, and nothing hut weakness remains, give China, 
three or four times a day, until the child has regained its 
usual vigor. 

Should the ahove treatment prove unsuccessful, send for 
your physician ; for the complications that may ensue in this 
disease often haffle the most skilful treatment. 

DIET. 

The infant suffering from this disease should he fed often, 
hut little at a time. Should the milk disagree with it, as 
would appear if it is restless, and cries after nursing, or 
vomits the milk in a curdled, cheesy condition, give weak 
hroths instead. See article on "Broths." If the child's 
mouth is so tender that it cannot keep hold of the nipple, 
draw the milk with the pump, and feed with the spoon. 
If the child is raised by hand, change its usual food, lest 
the cause lies in it. 

REGIMEN. 

Take the child out every day; should the weather he 
propitious, twice a day, and keep it out two or three hours 
each time. A change is desirable if the present locality is 
not considered healthy. Keep other babies away, as the 
disease is contagious. Tne nipple should be washed with a 
solution of Borax before and after nursing. 



234 GASTRIC DERANGEMENTS. 

COLIC. — FLATULENCY. — CRYING. 

See paragraph on the " Cries of Infants." 

Nature of the Disease. Colic and flatulence are always 
symptoms of indigestion. 

Causes. In order to be able to relieve an infant speedily 
of colic, it is absolutely necessary to know the cause. Is 
your milk adapted to the child's digestion ? (See para- 
graphs on "Qualities of Milk and Nursing.") Do you 
observe the rules of diet for nursing- women ? Have you 
nursed your child after a fit of passion, or after a heated 
walk ? If you raise your child by hand, have you observed 
the rules pointed out under its respective paragraph ? Is 
the milk from the same cow ? Is the cow fed on garbage, 
instead of hay or grass ? Have you not allowed the milk 
to turn sour ? Inquire into these things carefully, and you 
will discover the cause that renders food distressing to your 
child. Colic may be induced also by a cold ; by a confined 
state of the bowels; improper beverages taken by the 
mother, as ale, wines, liquors, &c. ; or by some cathartic 
medicines used by her. 

Characteristic Symptoms. The cry of colic is of a spas- 
modic kind accompanied by drawing up of the limbs : a 
warm hand gently pressed or passed over the abdomen gives 
temporary relief. If flatulence is present, the abdomen will 
even become distended, and be as tight as a drum. 

General Symptoms. The children roll their eyes during 
sleep ; distort their features, though, at first, they do not 
wake, but continue to sleep an uneasy sleep ; suddenly they 
commence to cry, and at intervals they twist their bodies, 
draw up their legs, kick their feet; the abdomen swells, 



COLIC. — FLA TULENCY. 235 

causing oppression of breathing ; restlessness and sleepless- 
ness follow ; they refuse the breast, and become very unman- 
ageable. Rumbling noise is heard in the bowels, indicating 
the presence of wind, which gives great pain, until it has 
passed off; then an interval of quietude follows, which is 
broken into by another sudden attack of crying and pain 
These attacks may become so violent as to throw the child 
into a spasm. Often a greenish, sour diarrhoea follows, 
which relieves the child. 

TREATMENT. 

Let me first caution against the anise-seed teas, whiskey, 
"Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup," and all the extolled 
"nostrums" for infant's colic. They will only serve to 
derange the stomach more and more ; for, although they seem 
to give relief, it is only a temporary relief, that is often 
followed by the most alarming consequences. 

Cliamomilla is an invaluable remedy in colic of children 
from flatulence, even if accompanied by greenish diarrhoea. 

Pulsatilla. When the colic is accompanied by vomiting, 
nausea, and diarrhoea. 

Nux Vomica* When the colic and flatulency are attended 
by constipation. 

Rheum. When colic is accompanied by greenish or yellow 
diarrhoea of a sour smell. 

Colocynth. When the child seems to have griping pains, 
causing it to twist and scream. 

If the colic and flatulency seem to have been induced by 
a cold, and are connected with painless diarrhoea, Dulcamara 
is to be preferred. 



236 GASTRIC DERANGEMENTS. 

DIET AND REGIMEN. 

Care should be taken not to give food that the child can- 
not digest. If the colic has been induced by the mother's 
milk, which has undergone alterations from a fit of anger or 
passion, from heat or from cold, she should be careful not to 
nurse her infant until after her breasts have been once 
exhausted by the pumps, and she has quieted down in her 
usual mode. 

During a hard fit of colic, the child may be undressed, 

and dipped in a warm bath ; hot applications may be 

made to the abdomen ; and a poultice of allspice may be 

allowed to remain on the abdomen until the pain is entirely 

relieved. 

■ 
COMMON INDIGESTION. 

Overloading the stomach, and the use of articles of food 
not adapted to the digestive powers of a child, are often 
the cause of gastric derangements. These derangements, 
although not very serious in themselves, may lead to dan- 
gerous diseases if not properly attended in time. 

The symptoms are loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, 
diarrhoea, urine loaded with sediment, flatulence, colic, 
hiccough ; the tongue becomes white-coated ; the pit of the 
stomach appears distended ; and the child will not allow you 
to touch it, the touch evidently causing pain. If this is 
allowed to go on, the child will vomit sour phlegm, or a 
greenish, bilious fluid ; headache will come on ; the child 
refuses to play ; he is dull, and wants to lie down. This 
condition of things may lead to a gastric, bilious, or typhoid 
fever. 

If the liver is in a state of congestion or inactivity, the 
tongue will show the bilious condition by a yellow-brownish 
color. When the child vomits, he will eject a greenish-yel- 
low fluid 5 the stool passages will be very dark or very 



COMMON INDIGESTION. 237 

light ; the urine will be dark, and the skin assume a very- 
sallow, yellowish tint. This condition may lead to a bilious 
fever. 

When the mucous membrane of the stomach is affected, 
the tongue will have a thick, slimy coating, difficult to 
scrape off; the mouth is filled with phlegm; a viscid, ropy 
phlegm is vomited with difficulty, as it adheres to the 
throat in its passage ; the evacuations will have the same 
mucous appearance. The child looks pale and weak ; the 
pulse becomes feeble, the extremities cold, the urine may 
be clear, but will soon deposit a slimy sediment. 

All gastric derangements are of great importance in a 
child. It is almost invariably an evidence that there have 
been some errors committed in the diet. An inquiry should 
be immediately made to discover the cause of the derange- 
ment in order to avoid it in the future. 

Overloading the stomach with indigestible food is often 
the immediate cause of convulsions. 

TREATMENT. 

If the child be sick, and inclined to vomit after partaking 
of food, it is well to encourage the vomiting by a draught 
of warm water. Infants may be made to vomit with a little 
black coffee, without sugar. The ejection of the ingesta 
may save the child from a convulsion : he will immediately 
be relieved of the swelling of the stomach, and all the 
malaise accompanying it. The child will return to its play 
as well as usual. 

The following remedies should be given, according to 
their symptoms : — 

Pulsatilla. Eructations, gulping up of food, inclination 
to vomit, after a meal. Tenderness of the stomach on 
pressure, sour eructations, complete loss of appetite, aver- 
sion to food, slimy diarrhoea, colicky pains, watery urine, 



238 GASTRIC DERANGEMENTS. 

headache, after eating fat meat or butter. The tongue is 
lined with a tenacious mucus. 

Antimonium Crudum. Great inflation of the stomach and 
abdomen, especially after a meal. Flatulence, constipation. 
Nausea after drinking, great disposition to vomit, derange- 
ment from overloading the stomach, tongue coated white, 
blisters on the tongue, violent thirst, with dryness of the 
lips and tongue. 

Carbo Yegetabilis. Nausea whenever the child attempts 
to eat. Bloated abdomen after eating or drinking, continual 
eructations, hiccough or gulping up of food, nausea early 
in the morning, water-brash, tenderness in the region of 
the stomach, great dryness of the mouth, or great flow of 
saliva, loss of appetite, tongue dry and ivhite-coated. 

Ipecac. Constant nausea or vomiting, vomiting every 
time food or drink is taken, vomiting large quantities of 
mucus, difficult swallowing, as if the throat was contracted, 
diarrhsea. 

Jfux Vomica. Frequent hiccough, frequent eructations, 
bitter or sour eructations, nausea, violent vomiting of sour- 
smelling mucus, pain in the stomach, the stomach feels as 
if a stone were in it, tension across the stomach, griping 
pains in the stomach and bowels, throbbing and burning 
in the region of the stomach, the child has taken a cold, 
constipation, ineffectual urging to stool, dryness of the 
mouth, white-coated tongue, swelling of the gums, apthce 
on the tongue, milk sours upon the stomach, total want of 
appetite, headache, dulness, heat and redness of the cheeks. 

Mercurius. Fetid smell from the mouth, ulcers and sores 
within the mouth or on the body, constant saliva in the 
mouth, enlargement of glands, constant desire or attempt 



CONSTIPATION. 239 

to swallow, morbid appetite, craves for bitter or acid things, 
yellow or brown coated tongue, gulping up of food, pain in 
the region of the stomach on pressure, sallow shin, colic 
with diarrhoea (the stool is green, very dark or very light), 
desire for stool without being able to accomplish it, consti- 
pation, chilliness after a diarrhceic-stool, bloody-stool, mu- 
cous discharge from the rectum, urine dark-brown, tooth- 
ache, red gums, ulcerated gums, the child has taken a cold. 

Cilia. (See "Worms.") 

DIET. 

The simplest and lightest diet will be necessary, — gruels, 
panada, broths, milk, &c. If the child has no appetite, do 
not force it to eat. It will not hurt the child to go two or 
three days without eating. Do not give ice-water ; this 
would induce pain when there is a tendency to colic or 
diarrhoea. Toast-water, milk and water, water with a little 
raspberry or blackberry sirup, will be palatable, and not 
hurtful. 

CONSTIPATION. 

Constipation often affects children from their earliest 
infancy. Although not necessarily a dangerous disorder, it 
nevertheless should claim the attention of the mother, lest 
it becomes a permanent habit of the child, to its great dis- 
comfort. 

CAUSES. 

Constipation is often hereditary, and then it is very diffi- 
cult to correct. But it may supervene in the child from 
errors in the diet of the mother, or from her milk contain- 
ing too large a proportion of solids ; in which case the mother 
should use a greater amount of fluids. Feeding by hand 
seems also a general cause of constipation, in which case 



240 GASTRIC DERANGEMENTS. 

the proportions of water in the milk should be increased. 
Inactivity of the liver is also a .cause, which, however, can 
be ascertained by the quality of the stool, which will con- 
sist of hard, clayish-white lumps. Debility of the intestines 
themselves may also render them inactive. It will be 
necessary to understand the cause to be able to treat this 
constipation successfully. 

PREVENTIVE TREATMENT. 

When a child is inclined to constipation, rub and gently 
knead its abdomen every morning, at the same hour. The 
mother or nurse should avoid every article of diet after par- 
taking of which constipation invariably follows in herself or 
child. As soon as the child can sit, put it to its chair every 
morning at the same hour, encouraging it to urge to stool ; 
and, if it be disinclined, a little stick of castile-soap may be 
introduced into the rectum for a few moments, which will 
stimulate it to act. In this manner, you can give to the 
child the habit of going to stool regularly ; and this system 
has often cured constipation that medical treatment could 
not reach. Avoid castor-oil and all cathartics ; for although 
they relieve, and the child appears better in consequence of 
an ejection, the constipation will return worse than ever. 
Alter the child's diet to suit the case. 

TREATMENT. 

When the child has no movement for forty-eight hours, 
and the abdomen becomes hard and distended, the child 
becomes restless, feverish, and cries as if uncomfortable, 
relieve it by an injection of tepid water. The prejudice 
against this simple means of relief is unfounded. 

Nux Vomica will correct a constipation brought on by 
gastric derangements and by debility of the intestines, par- 
ticularly when it is accompanied by flatulency, and a white- 



CONSTIPATION. 241 

coated tongue, loss of appetite, distention of the bowels, and 
restlessness. 

Mercurius Solubilis will be indicated if the stool is hard 
and of clay color ; the tongue, if coated, coated yellow ; and 
possibly the skin having a yellow tinge ; also if the consti- 
pation comes on after a cold, and the urine is of a yellow- 
ish red. 

Bryonia often relieves the symptoms given under flux, 
when the latter fails to give relief. 

Sulphur should be given when the child indicates a 
scrofulous constitution, particularly when the child is very 
fair, has blue eyes, the glands of the neck enlarge and 
harden easily. Sulphur should be given in a high attenua- 
tion, the 30th at least. * 

Lycopodium will remove obstinate constipation, which 
causes great urging and pain in having a stool. This 
remedy should also be given in a high attenuation, and con- 
tinued for several days. 

Platina has proved successful when the stool was so hard 
that it required assistance for its expulsion. 

Graphites will be found useful when the stool is very large 
and hard, and the constipation is accompanied by light 
eruptions of the skin. 

Many other remedies might be given ; but, if the mother 
cannot relieve her child with the above treatment, she would 
better ask for medical assistance. 

For such constipation as indicates malformation of the 
intestines, or such sudden and unconquerable difficulty as 
would indicate twisting of the intestines, a skilful physician 



242 GASTRIC DERANGEMENTS 

should be immediately called to attend. The symptoms of 
the latter are so severe, that it is hardly supposable that a 
mother would take the responsibility of treating her own 
infant. 



DIARRHOEA. — CHOLER A-INFANTUM. — DYSENTERY. — 
SUMMER-COMPLAINT. 

Although these diseases are essentially different, I 
describe and treat them in the same paragraph ; because 
they have so many symptoms in common, and are so often 
induced by the same causes, that by exhibiting them side 
by side, with the characteristic symptoms in parallel, it may 
be easier for the lay-reader to distinguish them. 

Diarrhoea is only a condition of the intestines which 
induces more evacuations of the bowels than are natural. 
These evacuations, although comparatively loose, and too 
numerous, need not be abnormal in the quality of their 
contents, their color, or consistency : they rarely give pain, 
and are generally unattended by fever, unless fever is 
induced by other disturbing influences, as a cold, or a fit of 
indigestion. 

Dysentery has also many evacuations ; but they will con- 
tain but little if any feculent matter : they consist princi- 
pally of mucus and blood, and cause great pain and 
tenesmus during their passage. They are invariably accom- 
panied by fever as a consequence of the inflammation of the 
rectum. The thirst in dysentery is intense ; while it is 
hardly noticeable in diarrhoea. As soon as these mucous 
and bloody evacuations change into feculent and foul-smell- 
ing discharges, the disease is conquered, and the patient is 
convalescent. 

Cbolera-Infantum is sudden in its invasion. It appears 



DIABRH(EA, ETC. 243 

in summer from extreme heat, and in the autumn from hot 
days and cool nights. It may appear, also, as an epidemic 
from miasma. The gastric symptoms predominate in this 
disease. Vomiting is a precursor and a companion of the 
alvine (intestinal) evacuations. The child ejects every thing 
it takes, and often vomits without taking any thing, from 
simple irritability of the stomach. The discharges from the 
bowels are ordinarily of a colorless and inodorous fluid, 
although they may become mucous, and looking like beaten 
eggs. These discharges may also be green when they pass ; 
which indicates that an acidity of the stomach or intestines 
converts the yellow of the bile into into a green color : they 
also, if not passed green, may turn so after a short exposure 
to the air. The ejections are discharged suddenly, and 
without premonition or effort; sometimes, however, they 
cause tenesmus from their acidity, in which they become 
mucous as in dysentery. These discharges are excessively 
exhausting : the child lies prostrate, looking very ill. As 
the disease advances, it becomes noticeable that life ebbs 
away ; the eyes become hollow and sunken ; they lose their 
lustre, and become inexpressive. The emaciation is so rapid, 
that it can be noticed from hour to hour : the lips and tongue 
become dry, ulcerous, and red ; the skin dry and shrivelled ; 
a damp clammy sweat covers the brow ; hands and feet 
swell ; the child rolls its eyes ; sleeps with the lids half open ; 
and its life is in imminent peril. 

Summer-Complaint. There is but little difference between 
this disease and Cholera- Infantum, except that it is not so 
sudden in its invasion, and is more insidious in its course. 
But C holer a-Infantum, if not quickly checked, will degen- 
erate into Summer- Complaint. During hot seasons, the 
child begins to droop ; its appetite fails ; nausea, vomiting, 
and diarrhoea manifest themselves. Slight fever sets in : 
the symptoms soon become very much aggravated ; and the 



244 GASTRIC DERANGEMENTS. 

child languishes. The little sufferer begins to decline taking 
food ; takes it only when forced, and gags, and throws it up 
soon after. The gums become tender and sore 5 minute 
ulcerations or thrush begin to form in the mouth 5 which is an 
indication of the great severity of the disease. 

One of the most threatening periods in this malady is 
when the head becomes affected. The child incessantly 
rolls its head on the pillow, sleeps with eyes open, rolls its 
eyes, and has slight convulsive twitchings. A fine eruption 
like flea-bites appears about its body, on the abdomen par- 
ticularly ; the feet and hands become dropsical. The child 
then is very low, and shows that tendency to dropsy of the 
brain, so fatal in these little beings, 

CAUSES. 

The causes of these diseases are common to all of them. 
Sudden changes from hot to cold, from dry to damp atmos- 
pheres ; indigestible articles of food ; irritability induced by 
the process of dentition ; miasmatic influences. It is true 
that dysentery and cholera-infantum are more prone to 
supervene during the summer and fall seasons, while diar- 
rhoea may occur at any time, from slight irregularities of 
diet or regimen ; still, even the former may occur in other 
seasons than summer or fall. The distinctive features are 
really only found in the respective symptoms of each. 

PREVENTIVE TREATMENT. 

Avoid overfeeding and unsuitable articles of diet at all 
times, and particularly during summer and autumn. Shield 
your child from taking cold, from dampness, from the heat 
of the day, from the dew in the evening. Do not allow 
your child to be out after sunset, after the first of July, in 
miasmatic regions. Keep it in a dry room, and, during the 
autumnal season, keep the windows down unless it is in- 
tensely warm. Do you hear of an epidemic of dysentery 



DIARRHCEA, DYSENTERY, ETC. 245 

or summer-complaint in your town, remove the child to the 
country, or some healthy locality. Do not give it fruits or 
potatoes while the disease is about. If you live in a town 
where the disease occurs every summer as an epidemic, 
remove your child early in June to the country. Avoid 
the seashore ; go to the mountains in preference. If you 
raise your child by hand, taste the milk before feeding the 
baby in summer; for a few hours of intense heat, or a 
thunder-storm, may turn it sour. 

TREATMENT FOR DIARRHOEA SIMPLEX. 

Dulcamara. A green, yellowish diarrhoea, brought on by 
a cold. 

China, if during the diarrhoea undigested food is found in 
the stool, and great weakness occurs. 

Mercurius Vivus or Solubilis, for bilious diarrhoea during 
teething. The evacuations are green and abundant, the 
tongue has a yellowish coating; also if the passages are so 
acrid as to corrode the rectum; also for white, clayish 
stools ; apthoe, or thrush, in the mouth ; yellow urine ; yel- 
low-tinged skin. Continue Mercurius until the passages 
assume the natural brown color. 

Chamomilla is a sovereign remedy for diarrhoea during 
dentition, with pain and wind in the abdomen. The stools 
are as green as grass, look like beaten eggs, smell putrid. 
If the child is feverish and cross, alternate with Aconite. 

Calcarea. In children who teethe slowly, have small 
bones, soft and flabby muscles, look pallid and scrofulous, 
have large heads, large stomach, perspire very easily. 

Rheum. Very green or yellow watery diarrhoea; the 
stools smell acid, or turn green after exposure to the air. 



246 GASTBIC DERANGEMENTS. 

The child's breath is acid. If it throws up curdled milk 
smelling acid, alternate Rheum with Ipecac. 

Colocynth. If each stool is preceded by cramping pains, 

Pay strict attention to the diet, and do not overfeed the 
child. See " Nursing of Children." 

TREATMENT OF DYSENTERY. 

Aconite* Fever, thirst, dry heat, restlessness, distress. 
This is a good remedy to commence with ; for often it checks 
the whole disorder without further treatment. 

Mercurius SoL or Vivus. Violent tenesmus after every 
evacuation ; the large intestine is forced out ; the stool is 
composed of nothing but mucus and blood ; sometimes it is 
streaked with green and white jelly-like matter. The stool 
contains no feculent matter. This remedy should be alter- 
nated with another whenever it does not cover all the symp- 
toms. 

Colocynth. The colic pains are excessive. Alternate 
with Mercurius. 

Ipecac may alternate with Mercurius if the dysentery 
occurs in the fall, nausea is present, and the stools are 
slimy and very bloody. 

Arsenicum. Great thirst, emaciation, and debility. Stool 
very watery, blackish or greenish yellow. Colic after eat- 
ing or drinking, often accompanied by vomiting, with cold- 
ness or clammy sweat. 

Aloes. Soft yellow stool, with tenesmus; great urging 
to stool ; bloody stools, ivith colic. 

ColcMcum. Particularly in autumnal dysentery, con- 



CHOLERA-INFANTUM. — SUMMER-COMPLAINT. 247 

sisting of white mucus, violent spasms at the anus (often 
without evacuations), aversion to food. 

Cina. For dysentery, caused by worms. 

Regimen. Keep the child in the open air as much as 
possible. 

Diet. See "Nursing of Children." Avoid fruits, can- 
dies, sugar, and vegetables. 

TREATMENT OF CHOLERA-INFANTUM AND SUMMER- 
COMPLAINT. 

Camphora and Veratrum. Alternately every hour, when 
the child is suddenly taken with vomiting and purging. 
These should be continued for eight hours, and, if the dis- 
ease does not abate within that time, select from the follow- 
ing remedies : — 

Ipecac and Chamomilla. Alternately, if the above treat- 
ment does not succeed, for twenty-four hours ; then, — 

Arsenicum. Violent vomiting, and diarrhoea of watery, 
bilious, or slimy brownish or blackish substances, with 
severe pains in the abdomen ; thirst, restlessness, sudden 
prostration, cold extremities, and clammy sweat. 

Colocynth. Green vomiting, with violent colic. 

Mercurius Sol. or Yivus. Important after the acutest 
symptoms have been allayed, and a greenish yellow diar- 
rhoea continues. 

China and Phosphoric Acid should be used when the dis- 
ease assumes a somewhat chronic form ; many stools con- 
tinue day and night, the strength gives way, and for several 
days there is hardly a perceptible change of the disease. 



248 GASTRIC DERANGEMENTS. 

Aconite, alternated with any other remedy, should be 
used whenever fever is present 5 also for great restlessness, 
and dry heat of the body. 

Belladonna. The child becomes stupid, its face is red or 
very pale. The child rolls, and sinks the head in the 
pillow. 

Bryonia and Helleborus. Alternately, whenever the 
child is threatened with effusion of water on the brain. 
The bowels are somewhat checked; but the child lies listless, 
vomits, rolls its eyes from side to side, does not recognize 
its mother ; it does not cry, but it shrieks. 

This disease is excessively perilous, and requires the most 
careful nursing and attention of the mother. No error in 
diet should be committed ; for a very slight error may cause 
the child^s death. Keep the child in the open air as much 
as possible 5 dress it so as not to be either too warm or too 
cold. The child should be kept at the breast, and, if that 
be not possible, its nourishment should be so regulated as 
not to overload the already weakened stomach. If milk 
seems to disagree, give light broths (see " Broths," in 
u Nursing by Hand "). Fruits, vegetables, or sugar are 
strictly forbidden. 

A convalescent child, by the slightest error, may be 
brought to a sudden grave. Do not change the habits of 
the child except under the special advice of the physician. 



TEETHING. 

For the process of teething see " Eruption of the Teeth." 
The process of teething is often attended with such disturb- 
ance of the nervous system as to require medical attention ; 
and, when this disturbance occurs in summer, complications 



TEETHING. 249 

with diarrhoea and summer-complaint are apt to arise, and 
cause the condition of the child to become imminently crit- 
ical. Although dentition is a natural process, still the local 
irritation often induces such sympathetic functional disturb- 
ances as congestion of the brain, spasms, eruptions, sore 
mouth, cough, diarrhoea, &c. During dentition, the face 
may become hot and red, the gums swollen, and — on the 
part under which the tooth pushes — white, hard, and sen- 
sitive to touch. Saliva dribbles from the mouth ; and the 
little sufferers attempt to bite at every thing ; and any thing 
hard seems to give them relief. Sometimes the glands 
around the neck take up the irritation, and become hard and 
swollen. The child becomes nervous, restless, and stubborn ; 
its appetite may fail, diarrhoea set in, &c. 

The eruption of the " cuspidati," or stomach-teeth, seems 
to create greater disturbance than that of any other; hence 
the common expression that the child's second summer is 
the most dangerous. During the process of teething, which 
is certainly a critical period in a child, the mother should be 
very careful that no neglect or error on her part should 
induce sickness in her infant ; for any sickness during den- 
tition is always of a grave character. 

Weaning is an important question in regard to the wel- 
fare of the child during dentition (see "Weaning"). If a 
child is born during the fall, it is likely that its stomach- 
teeth would be coming during the second summer; and, if the 
mother is to nurse her child through that period, she will be 
keeping it at her breast for two years, — a long time, indeed, 
longer than Nature seems to require. Yet if the mother is 
strong and healthy, and does not seem to suffer from the long 
nursing, I would advise her to continue the child at her 
breast until after all the stomach-teeth have protruded, and 
particularly during the summer-season and the early months 
of autumn; for, should cholera-infantum overtake the child, 
it might refuse feeding by hand, while it would take the 



250 GASTRIC DERANGEMENTS. 

breast. Moreover, the mother's milk is food already pre- 
pared, and less likely to disagree with the infant. 

In regard to lancing the gums (against which some phy- 
sicians have a prejudice, because they say that the incision 
will form a scar more difficult to be bored through by the 
teeth), I must say, that, when done at the proper time, great 
relief may be rendered without incurring any such difficulty. 
Let it be done when the gum over the tooth is much ele- 
vated, red, and tumefied, and the pressure of the tooth from 
underneath causes the centre of the protuberance to be of a 
pale color. When done at such a time, the tooth will be 
found directly under a thin cover, which will hardly bleed 
by the incision : this will give immense and immediate relief 
to the child. Thus impending convulsions, and congestion 
of the brain, may often be averted. 

During dentition let the child have some ivory or coral 
piece to bite ; but do not give india-rubber, the chemical con- 
stituents of which are calculated to color the teeth black, or 
corrode the enamel. 

TREATMENT. 

For restlessness, wakefulness, and obstinacy, give the child 
Coffea. 

If the child is feverish, and the gums are swollen, alternate 
Aconite and Belladonna. 

If the head becomes very hot, the face flushed, eyes spar- 
kling, and the pupil widened, give Belladonna, every two 
hours, until relieved. 

For diarrhoea, constipation, cough, or dysentery, induced 
by teething, see the respective chapters of these diseases. 



SOFTENING OF THE STOMACH. 

This disease is often confounded with dropsy of the brain, 
cholera-infantum, or ailments connected with teething. 



SOFTENING OF THE STOMACH. 251 

It consists in a disorganization of the stomach, in which 
its walls are softened, ulcerated, and rendered incapable of 
performing the functions of digestion. 

The attack is sudden, and often runs to a fatal termination 
in twenty-four hours. Children are liable to it from their 
birth to three and four years of age. 

Symptoms. Sometimes it sets in like cholera-infantum ; 
but, in this case, the fever is very violent. The vomiting is 
of a greenish color, sour, and of a putrid smell ; the abdomen 
swells, and the stomach is very hot. The features become 
suddenly collapsed, the skin cold; a clammy perspiration 
covers the body. The breathing is oppressed, and the chil- 
dren have a dry cough. The cry becomes a moan; the 
restlessness is constant; the thirst unquenchable; con- 
vulsions end the frightful scene. 

A disease so difficult to properly diagnose, so intense in 
its form, so fatal in its invasion, will require the immediate 
attendance of a skilful physician. 

Causes and Prevention. As this disease is almost always 
induced by improper nursing, by milk deteriorated through 
carelessness in the regimen and diet of the mother, by 
articles of diet unsuitable to a child's digestion, it becomes 
imperative that the mother should perfectly acquaint her- 
self with all the paragraphs on "Nursing and Weaning" in 
order to avoid a disease so fatal to her infant. 

In families where this disease is hereditary, the mother 
should decline nursing her child in favor of a healthy and 
proper wet-nurse. 

Weakly children should not be weaned too soon, or while 
teething, or while under an affection of the bowels. 

TREATMENT. 

Aconite, alternately with Arsenicum, should be given as 



252 GASTRIC DERANGEMENTS. 

soon as the fever and the peculiar vomiting, thirst, and 
diarrhoea, or collapse of the features, make their appear- 
ance. 

If the child is teething, and the great thirst is absent, 
Calcarea may be given in preference to Arsenicum. As 
soon as an exhausting watery diarrhea and great depres- 
sion of strength occur, Phosphoric Acid should be given. 

The complications of this disease, and the nicety re- 
quired in the selection of remedies, are so important, that 
no layman should trust himself; hence I decline indicat- 
ing any further medical treatment. 

WORMS. 

It may be a humiliating fact, but it is nevertheless true, 
that parasitic animals find habitation in our body, and that 
there they live and are nourished. 

Several species of these parasites have been found 5 but, 
to serve the purpose of this work, it will be necessary to 
mention only those most common among children. 

1. The " round-worm 9} (Ascaris lumbricoides), which is 
in shape, size, and appearance like the ordinary earth-worm. 
This is the most common in children. 

2. The " thread-worm " {Ascaris vermicularis), which is 
like small bits of thread. 

3. The " long thread-worm " (Tricocephalus dispar), a 
thread-worm, but longer than the last. 

4. The "tape-worm" (Tcenia solum), which may be 
many feet long. 

The round-worm is from five to six inches long, of a 
reddish-brown color. This worm usually inhabits the 
small intestines : it sometimes finds it way upward into 
the stomach, and downward into the lower bowels. When 
they creep to the stomach, they create such an irritability 
of that organ and of the nervous system as to induce fever, 



WORMS. 253 

vomiting, and serious disturbances, even indicating a 
typhoid fever. As soon as the stomach expels them, all 
the symptoms subside, and the patient gets well as if by 
magic. 

This worm has been said to rise in the throat, and cause 
alarming symptoms of strangulation. It may exist single, 
or in a multitudinous mass. It is very prolific. 

This worm is more common in the early period of child- 
hood than afterwards. 

The thread-worms of the first and second class inhabit 
principally the rectum, and are found in vast numbers : 
they are often ejected, or pass out, matted together in the 
shape of balls, or entangled in portions of excrement. 
Sometimes they crawl out of their own accord, and find 
their way into the vagina, causing a most intolerable 
itching. 

These worms also exist principally in infants, although 
they sometimes are found in adults. 

Th6 effect upon the locality is that of itching, which 
gives no peace, and renders the patient nervous and irri- 
table. 

The tape-worm has a long flat body composed of many 
pieces articulated together. These pieces become detached, 
and can pass off without affecting the life of the worm : they 
look like small square pieces of tape. -Its length is so con- 
siderable, that much exaggeration has been indulged in 
regard to it. Many specimens, however, are preserved, that 
are upwards of twenty feet in length. One or several 
joints may be expelled, and the worm still live and grow. 
The motions of this worm are sometimes felt in the abdo- 
men. 

This worm, however, is more frequent in adults than in 
children. It is found in animals, and is more frequent in 
some countries than in others. In England, Holland, and 
Germany, it is quite common. 



254 GASTRIC DERANGEMENTS. 

Symptoms of Worms. The symptoms are local and 

sympathetic, and frequently very obscure. 

With some people, any thing that ails a child suggests to 
them the idea of worms ; with some others, they hardly exist. 

The child complains now and then of pain in the abdo- 
men, which looks puffy and swollen ; it loses its appetite, 
or becomes morbid in that regard ; its breath smells fetid ; 
it constantly picks at its nose; one cheek becomes red 
while the other is pallid; the child grinds its teeth at 
night; startles easily from sleep, or talks while asleep; the 
bowels generally become deranged. Reflex action upon 
the spinal marrow induces also, although not always, 
peculiar nervous symptoms. A cough appears without the 
child having a cold. 

While I was attending a sick boy, early one morning, the 
mother came to me, and in an anxious manner said, that 
another boy, three years old, was that morning taken with 
a constant, uninterrupted, irritating cough ; and that noth- 
ing they had given to check it had any effect whatsoever. 
I went to the child, and ordered a tumblerful of milk, which 
he took with avidity. He did not cough again. His 
mother begged me to explain the phenomenon. I told her 
that the worms had not had their breakfast, and that, in 
their hunger, they were squirming around, inducing that 
fit of nervous cough; but that now they were fed, and 
would sleep quiet. The above symptoms belong properly 
to the common " round-worm." 

The thread-worms produce great itching and irritation 
of the anus. 

The tape-worm is only detected when some of the joints 
are voided; hence the necessity of examining the excre- 
ment each time when there is a suspicion of its presence. 

The symptoms of this worm are summed up in the 
symptoms of the other two kinds. But the presence of this 
worm greatly affects the appetite, which is sometimes 



WORMS. 255 

wanted, often of the most ravenous and unsatiable kind ; 
and, although persons eat a great quantity, they neverthe- 
less constantly lose flesh. The pupils of the eyes become 
dilated ; pains in the limbs, lassitude, and general nervous- 
ness follow. 

TREATMENT. 



There is no one disease or class of diseases that has 
excited so much the ingenuity of medical " quacks " as 
worms. How many hogsheads of " vermifuge " our victim- 
ized children have taken only these soulless medical 
quacks who live in marble palaces can tell : how much 
injury has been done to those innocent beings by " nos- 
trums " onlv God and desolate mothers can know. 

For round-worms, Santonine, one-tenth of a grain every 
three or four hours, is probably the most effective remedy 
known. 

Cina, Spigelia, Stannum, are all remedies that should be 
tried when one remedy is not successful. 

The sympathetic symptoms will disappear from the 
moment the cause is removed. 

Sulphur should be given after the worms have passed, and 
the symptoms are removed, particularly where the child 
gives evidence of a scrofulous constitution, and is liable to 
eruptions. 

Spigelia is preferable in cases where there is fever, colic, 
diarrhoea, with craving appetite, and the symptoms appear 
at the same hour every day. 

For " pin- worms " and " tape-worrus," the treatment is 
of sufficient importance to be left to a physician. 

DIET AND REGIMEN. 

Very light and digestible diet. Change the fountain 
from which you draw the drinking-water : these parasites 



256 AFFECTIONS OF THE SKIN. 

often come in that beverage. Avoid acids, fruits, and vege- 
tables when diarrhoea is present. When a child is sub- 
ject to worms, he should avoid gross food, butter, potatoes, 
heavy puddings, pies, vegetables, in fact any rich food. 
Let him take plenty of exercise, and make free use of ablu- 
tions. 



AFFECTIONS OF THE SKIN. 

ERUPTIONS FROM TEETHING, HEAT, OR SLIGHT 

INDIGESTION. 

An eruption of fine red pimples during dentition, or 
from summer heat, often breaks out on the child's face, 
neck, and even over the whole body! The skin looks and 
feels rough : sometimes the pimples look like flea-bites. 
This eruption appears particularly when the child is kept 
too warm. The eruption from indigestion after eating 
strawberries is apt to be in the form of " Hives," in which 
the skin rises in blotches, is intensely itchy, and has a whit- 
ish appearance on the top. These eruptions disappear 
quickly without any medicine ; but if they remain, and are 
troublesome, the following remedies will be found useful : — 

Aconite. For eruption from heat, causing restlessness. 

Hercurius. If from teething. 

Kux Vom. If from indigestion. 

The usual ablutions of the child should not be stopped 
for these eruptions. 

If the child seems itchy, compelling it to scratch, wheat- 
flour may be sprinkled over the parts affected. 



CHAFING, EXCORIA TIONS. — ER YSIPELAS. 257 



CHAFING, EXCORIATIONS, 
OR RAWNESS OF THE SKIN. 

The excoriations which often occur between the limbs, 
nates (buttocks), or under the arm-pits, are always caused 
by the negligence of the mother ; for should she wash her 
child in those parts often, and between the limbs every 
time after the child wets its napkin, or has a passage after 
diarrhoea, and then sprinkle rice-powder on the parts, the 
child need never suffer from that inconvenience. 

But, when they have occurred, the parts should be lubri- 
cated with sweet oil. If this does not stop the chafing, 
powdered peruvian-bark should be spread on it after the 
parts have been washed. 

Rhus given internally will assist in the cure. 



ERYSIPELAS 
OF NEW-BORN INFANTS. 

During the earliest days of the infant's life, erysipelas 
often occurs. It may proceed from a circumscribed spot 
around the umbilicus, from the sexual parts, from the 
extremities, or the thorax. It spreads very rapidly, and 
may cover the whole body. 

This is a formidable disease, and should be treated by 
an intelligent physician. 

Causes. .Washing the child with irritating substances, 
such as bad soap, alcohol, liquors ; uncleanliness ; injuries ; 
rude handling ; and the use by the mother of spirits and 
bad diet ; changes in the milk, brought on by anger and 
passion ; cold and miasmatic influences. 

The symptoms are restlessness, peevishness, fever, vom- 
17 



258 AFFECTIONS OF THE SKIN. 

iting, colicky pains, diarrhoea, or constipation. The skin is 
of reddish-yellow; the urine scanty, and leaves yellow 
stains. 

Aconite should be given immediately. If the disease 
shows no abatement in twenty-four hours, alternate it with 
Belladonna ; and if, in twenty-four hours more, the disease 
still progresses, give Rhus in place of Belladonna. 

Apis and Lacliesis are also very good remedies here. 



JAUNDICE. 

This is another disease that may supervene almost imme- 
diately after birth. The yellowness of the skin will give 
sufficient evidence. If the child does not appear sick, and 
its stools are natural, no treatment is necessary; but if 
the child has diarrhoea, or its stools are of a clayish-wliite 
color, the urine dark and yellow, Mercurius should be given 
two or three times a day. 

BLUE DISEASE (Lyanosiscardiaca). 

Sometimes, shortly after birth, the child's face, sexual 
organs, tips of the fingers and nails, become of a livid-blue 
color. The child may become cold, the pulsations of its 
heart irregular and noisy. The child may faint, or have 
suffocating paroxysms. These paroxysms may last an hour 
or two, and terminate in long inspirations and regular 
breathing. 

This disease is owing to some malformation of the heart 
that renders the circulation imperfect. 

TREATMENT. 

The only course to adopt is to keep the circulation going ; 



MILK-CRUST. 259 

hence frictions, immersion in warm water during the par- 
oxysms, should be resorted to. A bath containing cam- 
phor or a little alcohol or brandy may be useful. The 
bowels should be kept open, moved at least once a day, with 
an injection of warm water. Nursing should be light. Care 
should be taken not to overload the stomach. 

A case like this should, of course, be treated by a skilful 
physician ; hence I will offer no medical remedies. 

MILK-CRUST (Crusta lactea). 

This is a disease peculiar to children at the breast. It 
occurs more often during the period of dentition than at 
other times, and may last until the third year. Meshy, 
robust children, with a delicate and white skin, are most 
liable to it. 

The eruption is generally " characterized by little pustules 
disposed in irregular groups, developing themselves upon 
the face and scalp, and furnishing an abundant viscid fluid. 
The pustules, at first white and very slightly elevated, are 
surrounded by a red, inflammatory areola. The yellow or 
greenish fluid discharged from them is transformed, in dry- 
ing, into thin and yellow scabs, which, by their successive 
accumulation, spread sometimes to such a degree as to form 
a veritable mask." — Teste. 

This is not a dangerous disease, but excessively annoying 
to parent and child. The itching caused by this eruption 
is intense, sometimes keeping the little one constantly at 
work with its hands. 

It is not contagious ; and by some people it is regarded as 
a " salutary depuration." 

TREATMENT. 

Iacea, Viola Tricolor, vulgarly called "the Pansy" has 
been in use from time immemorial for this disease, generally 



260 AFFECTIONS OF THE SKW. 

with great benefit. It has been given in doses sufficiently 
large to affect the nrine ; but there is no necessity of that. 
The homoeopathic tincture of Viola tricolor is in most cases 
sufficient. Six drops of the mother tincture in twelve tea- 
spoonfuls of water, one teaspoonful every four hours, 
should be given. 

Should the eruption not yield in a week or two to Viola, 
Sulphur (30th), three doses every day, should be tried for two 
weeks longer. 

Sepia, Rhus, and Hepar Sulphuris, high dilutions, are also 
recommended. 

Externally, no other application than sweet oil, to facili- 
tate the loosening and fall of the scabs, should be made 
without consulting with a physician. 



DAMPNESS. 

During the period of dentition, a child may be affected by 
a "dampness" behind the ears, which spreads down the 
neck, and towards the eyes. This moisture adheres to the 
hair, and, in drying, assumes the appearance of milk-crust. 
It first appears like sweat behind the ears, but gradually 
becomes thickened and consistent. The falling of the scurf 
leaves the skin red and inflamed, from which the moisture 
continues to exude. 

TREATMENT. 

The parts should be washed often with warm milk and 
water. When the scurf is formed, it should be oiled with 
sweet olive-oil or glycerine, to assist in detaching it, and in 
keeping the air from the inflamed surfaces. 

A little raw cotton may be placed on the parts to absorb 
the moisture.* Calcarea or Sulphur (30th) may be given inter- 
nally. 



MUMPS. 261 



MUMPS. 



This is an inflammation and enlargement of the salivary 
glands under and in front of the ear. These glands often 
attain a very large size. They commence on one side gener- 
ally, and, as one subsides, the other side becomes affected. 
i This disease generally affects a person only once, and it is 
easily communicated from one to another. Adults who 
never had it during childhood are liable to its invasion. It 
is not a- disease attended with danger, although there are in- 
stances in which, in boys, the disease has been transmitted 
to the testicles. 

TREATMENT. 

Mercurius Protiodide (3d trituration). One grain every 
three or four hours is generally sufficient to meet the case. 

Should a sudden disappearance of the mumps be followed 
by excitement of the brain, or convulsions, Belladonna should 
be immediately administered. 

Should the disease strike the testicles, Mercurius solubilis* 

(3d trituration) should be administered every two hours. 

Aconite- may be alternated with either of the above reme- 
dies, if the pulse" is full and rapid. 

REGIMEN AND DIET. 

The neck should be covered with thin flannel. The 
patient should not be exposed to cold or dampness. Diet 
light. 



NERVOUS DISORDERS. 

CONVULSIONS AND SPASMS. 

There is no disease more calculated to frighten a mother 
or a nurse than convulsions or spasms; and yet there is' 
hardly a disease less threatening to the life of the child, 
while requiring more coolness and self-control on the part 
of the attendants, than that. Although convulsions indicate 
a great irritability of the nervous system, they never prog- 
nosticate a dangerous condition of the child, except when 
they supervene after a long sickness from teething, summer- 
complaint, dropsy of the brain, or after a fall. 

Some children have such an impressible nervous system, 
that a slight indigestion, the cutting of a tooth, the crawl- 
ing of worms, will induce spasms and convulsions. I know 
a child who is taken with convulsions whenever it has fever ; 
and yet it is a splendid specimen of growth, health, and 
intelligence. I have attended one in whom a convulsion 
was always a precursor of fever and ague. Some go into 
convulsions from ear-ache ; others from anger or excessive 
crying. These convulsions, instead of injuring the child, 
seem, on the contrary, to benefit it : the insensibility during 
or following a convulsion seems to quiet the nervous system, 
to the child's great relief. 

These things should be fully understood by the mother 
and the attendants ; for more harm than good is often done 
by attempting to break up a convulsion, which is not possi- 
ble to do, and for which there is no necessity. 

Whenever your child goes into a convulsion, be calm ; 
order warm water in its little tub 5 undress it gently, — not 
on your kiiees, but on a flat surface, on a bed, particularly ; 
do not tear every thing to pieces, and throw its limbs or 

262 



CONVULSIONS AND SPASMS. 263 

head about in the attempt to divest it of its clothes. There 
is not the slightest necessity to hurry. If, when the warm 
water is at hand, the child is undressed, and still laboring 
under spasms or a convulsion, dip it in the warm water for 
two or three minutes ; hold its head, so that it will not jerk 
about ; take the child out, wrap it in a blanket, and let it 
alone. But if, just as the preparations for the bath are 
accomplished, the child seems out of the convulsion, or 
spasms, let it lie quietly ; do not disturb it, it will sleep, aud 
wake up a great deal better. 

The convulsions from the causes above mentioned hardly 
ever require specific medication. If worms are suspected, 
worm-medicines might be given; if from teething, see 
treatment of teething. In fact, these convulsions are only 
a symptom, not a disease. 

Another class of convulsions which need not excite the 
mother's anxiety is that which often precedes eruptive 
fevers, such as measles, scarlatina, small-pox ; for, as soon as 
the eruption appears, the convulsions disappear. It is even 
observed that convulsions, in the beginning of an eruptive 
fever, prognosticate a moderate course of the disease. 

If convulsions appear, however, upon a sudden disappear- 
ance of the eruption, or when the course of the eruption 
ought to have reached its end, it will be taken as a bad 
symptom: it indicates the transmission of the disease to 
the head. 

Convulsions from a fall (see " Falls ") are dangerous, 
inasmuch as they indicate that the fall has probably caused 
concussion, or an effusion of blood on some parts of the 
brain. 

Convulsions from the presence of indigestible articles of 
food in the stomach are dangerous, because, if those .sub- 
stances are not quickly ejected, the convulsions will return, 
remain longer, and induce a cerebral congestion, dangerous 
to the child's life. 



264 NERVOUS DISORDERS. 

In convulsions from, teething, if the head is very hot, 
give it a foot-bath containing mustard or ashes, and pour a 
continuous stream of cold water over its head until that 
has sensibly cooled off. 

If the child does not recover soon from the convulsion, 
and particularly if it has been constipated or flatulent of 
late, give a copious injection of lukewarm water, containing 
one tablespoonful of sweet-oil or soap-suds. 

The child should only be rubbed dry, with no alcohol or 
any stimulating substance. 

TREATMENT. 

If convulsions or spasms are brought on by a fall, Arnica 
internally should be given ; the head should also be 
bathed with arnicated water, in the proportion of one- 
fourth of Arnica Tincture to three-fourths water. 

tfux Vom. should be given if indigestion, constipation, 
or flatulence, have induced convulsions. 

Belladonna and Calcarea, if from teething. (See " Teeth- 
ing.") 

Ignatia, if from fright, excitement, or crying. 
Cina, Stannum, or Santonine, if from worms. 

If caused by a sudden disappearance of any eruption, 
take a sheet, dip it in very warm water (that would not 
scald), wrap it around the child from the feet up to the 
chin ; around that wrap one or two blankets ; leave the 
child in the pack for an hour or two, in fact until the child 
perspires freely, and the eruption has re-appeared all over 
its body. If it is from suppression or retrocession of scar- 
let-rash, give Belladonna; if of measles, Pulsatilla and 
Bryonia ; if of small-pox, Mercurius and Saracenia. 

If caused by an overloaded stomach, or by eating indi- 



RETENTION OF URINE. 265 

gestible food, cause the child to vomit by a copious draught 
of warm water containing a small pinch of mustard. 

If, after the convulsions, the child lies in a stupor over two 
or three hours, give Opium alternately with Helleborus. 

If the child does not speedily recover under this treat- 
ment, send for a skilful physician. 



URINARY DISORDERS. 

The mother should be especially careful in noticing that 
the functions of the bladder of her infant are performed 
regularly and without any difficulty ; for an infant has no 
means to convey an expression of its distress like a grown 
person : and a serious inflammation of the bladder may be 
induced before the mother becomes aware of it, by the 
inability of the child to void its urine. 



RETENTION OF URINE. 

Shortly after birth, the infant should discharge the con- 
tents of the bladder, else the bladder would become dis- 
tended, and liable to a very troublesome "if not a fatal 
inflammation. A long retention of urine will induce fever, 
restlessness, pain : the child will twist its little body and 
legs, and even have convulsions. 

TREATMENT. 

If the child should go over twelve hours without passing 
water, a cloth wet in warm water should be applied to its 
genital organs ; if that does not succeed within two hours, 
give it an injection, by the rectum, of a gill of warm water 



266 URINARY DISORDERS. 

and milk. Should this not succeed, immerse the child in a 
warm bath containing wheat-bran ; during the bath, make 
rotatory frictions oyer the bladder. This treatment is, gen- 
erally, sufficient in retention of urine from any cause except 
calculous deposits, and in children of all ages. 

Should internal treatment be required, an infusion of 
common Parsley, one teaspoonful or two, according to the 
age of the child, repeated every hour, is a very good 
remedy, and generally adopted in Europe. 

A water-melon-seed infusion is very much used in the 
United States, and is very efficient and harmless. It may 
be found at any apothecary's. For spasmodic retention of 
urine, to which a child may be subject, Pulsatilla or Bella- 
donna will be found useful. 

Cantharis will be appropriate if the child passes urine by 
drops, with great difficulty and pain. If the child has 
any difficulty in urinating, do not give any alcoholic stimu- 
lants on the apprehension that it suffers from pain in the 
bowels 5 for they will greatly increase the difficulty. 



INCONTINENCE OF URINE. 

WETTING THE BED. 

This, besides being unpleasant to the child, is very 
inconvenient to the mother. It is a weakness of the neck 
of the bladder, to which many children are subject. This 
is, principally, a nocturnal difficulty 5 although, when there 
exists an organic weakness, it may occur during the day. 

In many cases, it is due to certain constituents of the 
urine, such as an excess of lithic acid, which is irritating. 
It may be induced by the presence of worms in the rectum, 



GRAVEL. 267 

particularly the pin-worm ; again, to a natural weakness 
of the neck of the bladder. 

If this infirmity is not controlled, it eventually becomes 
a habit very difficult to eradicate. 

TREATMENT. 

Precautionary measures should be adopted ; e.g., limit the 
quantity of drink, particularly before going to bed or 
during the night. Arouse the child at stated hours to void 
its urine, during the night, so as to prevent a great accu- 
mulation in the bladder. Cold sponging at the back on 
retiring is considered useful. Do not allow the child to lie 
on its back. 

Nux Vom. is very efficient if the incontinence appears to 
be due to weakness of the bladder and to indigestion. If 
Nux does not succeed, Belladonna should be tried. 

If induced by worms, Cina, Stannum, or Spigelia. 

Silicea and Sepia may be tried in inveterate and stubborn 
cases. 

GRAVEL OR CALCULI IN INFANTS. 

Even soon after birth, a child may be subject to gravel. 

The symptoms are painful discharge of a few drops of 
blood-colored urine with slimy, purulent sediment. Only a 
physician of skill should be allowed to treat the case. 



FEVERS, 

AND ERUPTIVE EEVERS. 

A very slight disorder may induce fever in an infant. 
As soon as fever is detected, ask yourself the following ques- 
tions : — 

Is it from indigestion ? Has the child eaten any unusual 
food, — a piece of a bad potato, cake, &c. ? 

Was the milk pure ? (See " Gastric Derangements.") 

Is it from teething ? Look at its gums if they are red 
and swollen ? (See " Teething.") 

Is the scarlet-fever about ? Is its face uncommonly red, 
hot, or swollen ? Are there signs of sore throat, of difficult 
deglutition ? Is there inclination to vomit ? (See " Scarlet- 
Fever.") 

Are the measles about ? Is the fever accompanied by 
running water at the nose or eyes ? Do the eyes look con- 
gested ? Is there cough, and inclination to vomit ? (See 
" Measles.") 

Is it from a cold on the chest ? Is the breathing very 
short? and does breathing cause wheezing in the chest ? Is 
there a dry or loose cough, with rattling ? Does the child 
cry after every fit of coughing ? (See " Pneumonia and 
Bronchitis.") 

Is it from worms ? Does the child startle from its sleep, 
grind its teetfi, rub its nose? Is its abdomen hard and 
swollen ? (See " Worms.") 

Is it an intermittent fever, fever and ague ? Does the 
child look blue and cold ? Is its skin rough, like goose- 
flesh, before the fever ? and is it followed by a sweat ? Is 
there an interval of perfect intermission ? and does the fever 
recur periodically ? (See u Intermittent Fever.") 

Is it a remittent fever ? Does the fever fall and rise at 

268 



SCARLET-FEVER AND MEASLES. 



269 



regular periods, without absolutely leaving at any time ? 
(See " Infantile Eemittent Fever.") 



SCARLET-FEVER AND MEASLES. 

These are two distinct and different diseases, yet I 
treat them in the same paragraph, to make the difference 
more clear to a non-medical attendant ; for it often occurs 
that there is doubt in the mind of the mother or nurse, par- 
ticularly during the stage of incubation, as to the real nature 
of the eruption. 



GENERAL SYMPTOMS AND COURSE. 



Scarlet-Feyer 

Occurs sporadically and epidemi- 
cally. 

Contagious and infectious. 

Fever runs very high. 

Face sometimes red and swollen. 

Eyes red and congested! 



Tongue looks like a strawberry. 

Throat sore and red : there is 
pain and difficulty in swallowing. 

Tends to the throat. 

Nausea and vomiting are often 
present before the appearance of 
the eruption. 

Convulsions sometimes occur be- 
fore the eruption. 

The eruption appears from the 
second to the third day. 

The eruption appears on the 



Measles 

Occur sporadically and epidemi- 
cally. 

Contagious and infectious. 

Fever runs very high. 

Face sometimes red and swollen. 

Eyes run water, and are slightly 
red. 

Nose runs water; the child 
sneezes, and has all the symptoms of 
cold in the head. 

Tongue only coated white or 
yellow. 

Throat generally free. 

Hoarse cough. 

Tends to the chest. 

Nausea and vomiting are often 
present before the appearance of 
the eruption. 

Convulsions sometimes occur be- 
fore the eruption. 

The eruption appears from the 
fourth to the, fifth day. 

The eruption appears on the face 



270 



ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 



Scarlet-Fever. 

neck first, then on the face and on 
the chest, and spreads all over. 

The eruption is an efflorescence, 
a blush, as it were, even all over. 
The skin is as red as a boiled lob- 
ster. The eyes and throat are red, 

While the eruption is on, the 
inflammation of the eyes and throat 
increases. 

The eruptive stage lasts about 
twelve hours. 

The stage of efflorescence lasts 
four days, when the redness gradu- 
ally disappears, the fever abates, 
the violence of the sore throat 
yields, and the child appears freer 
and better. 

The stage of desquamation (or 
scaling off of the dead skin) com- 
mences on the sixth day after the 
appearance of the eruption. On 
the back and around the joints, 
the eruption continues the longest ; 
the skin becomes moist, but the fe- 
ver still continues. Later, the neck, 
face, and chest begin to itch; 
the fever and the throat-difficulty 
leave ; the tongue becomes moist 
and clean, and loses the strawberry 
appearance. The urine becomes 
copious, turbid, and gives a red- 
dish-white sediment. The bowels 
move freely, and give great relief. 

Sequelce. — Diseases of the brain, 
spinal marrow, dropsy, deafness, 
abscesses under the skin, rheuma- 
tisms, suppuration of articular cav- 
ities, furuncles, chronic catarrh, 
gangrene of the throat. 



Measles. 

first, then on the nose, ears, eye- 
lids, and spreads down the neck, 
body, and, lastly, over the limbs. 

The eruption comes in clusters, 
is not of a vivid red. The patches 
are semi-lunar in shape, and mark 
the face particularly. 

While the eruption is on, the 
symptoms of pneumonia increase. 

The eruptive stage lasts two or 
three days. 

The stage of efflorescence lasts 
three or four days, when the fever 
disappears, the patches assume a 
pale yellow color, the catarrh 
abates, and the hoarseness ceases. 

The desquamation commences 
on the sixth or seventh day, and 
even later, with itching of the skin. 

The skin detaches, and falls like 
bran. The fever disappears en- 
tirely, the skin becomes moist, and 
a copious sweat ensues. 

A slight bleeding at the nose often 
occurs. The eyelids become agglu- 
tinated during sleep, the nose dis- 
charges a purulent mucus, and the 
cough is very loose. The urine is 
copious, and gives a white powdery 
sediment. The bowels become very 
active. The appetite and strength 
return, and the child feels well. 

Sequelce. — Chronic catarrh, 
whooping-cough, phthisis, pneu- 
monia, croup, ear-ache, deafness, 
dry, irritating cough, with hoarse- 
ness, inflammation and suppura- 
tion of the eyelids, chronic erup- 
tions, &c. 



SCARLATINA. 271 

The above parallels show the distinctive symptoms of the 
two diseases, but do not contain all the symptoms and vari- 
eties of each disease 5 hence each will be described as fol- 
lows : — 

I. SIMPLE SCARLATINA, 

In which all the symptoms of scarlet-fever are moderate ; 
when the eruption appears, the fever abates ; the throat is 
slightly, if at all, affected ; the nausea, oppression of breath- 
ing and of the stomach, are relieved after the appearance 
of the eruption ; on the fifth or sixth day, the child enters 
into a happy convalescence, 

H. SCARLATINA ANGINOSA 

Is ushered in with shiverings, followed by intense heat 
and dryness of the skin, frequent and hard pulse, nausea, 
vomiting, headache, violent sore throat, painful deglutition, 
intense thirst, pain and tenderness about the stomach and 
abdomen, pain and stiffness of the neck, tongue coated with 
a yellowish or whitish fur, out of which come the enlarged 
papillse, that make it look like the surface of a strawberry ; 
the throat, palate, tonsils, are red, swollen, and ulcerated; 
eyes red and injected ; voice thick and hoarse. All these 
symptoms increase in intensity until the seventh and eighth 
day, when desquamation commences, and all the symptoms 
abate. 

in. SCARLATINA MALIGNA. 

All the above symptoms exist in greater intensity, with 
a tendency, to dissolution. The fever assumes a typhoid 
character, in which the pulse is very frequent and very 
weak ; the eruption is only partial, and of a pale color ; the 
throat is full of foul, ash-colored ulcers ; an acrid discharge 
issues from the nose ; the tongue, at first red, now becomes 
dry and black ; the skin finally becomes dark ; the abdomen 
is covered by a fine eruption, like flea-bites ; diarrhoea and 



272 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 

hemorrhage follow. The expression of the face is stupid. 
The physical exhaustion is excessive. The brain, lungs, or 
abdominal viscera become seriously affected, and finally 
death ensues. 

This last form of scarlet-fever is fatal almost from the 
beginning. 

I. SIMPLE MEASLES. 

Measles have also their varieties, although they do not 
occur so often as in scarlatina. The simple form of the 
disease is ushered in with chilliness, followed by fever, with 
all the accompanying catarrhal symptoms. A sense of 
languor overtakes the patient, who complains of frontal 
headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting. • The fever 
goes on in a regular form, without any very distressing or 
alarming symptoms. 

II. COMPLICATED MEASLES 

May. be known by the intense fever, great catarrhal irri- 
tation, cough, shortness of breath, pneumonia. The tongue 
is thick and yellow ; great retching and vomiting ; bilious 
diarrhoea; jaundiced color of the eyes and skin; urine red 
or brown. 

III. MALIGNANT MEASLES 

Has all the above symptoms intensified. The eruption ap- 
pears and disappears ; it develops irregularly, by fits and 
starts; in some parts, it is of a pale livid color; in others, 
bright red. The physical prostration is excessive. The 
head is dull ; stupor or sleeplessness follows ; the skin is 
alternately hot and cold; the tongue becomes dry and 
brown; a muttering delirium follows; the pulse becomes 
small and weak, sometimes fluttering ; the breathing very 
much labored, the cough harassing and convulsive. If 
this terrible form of the disease is not soon checked, watery 
diarrhoea, clammy sweat, hemorrhage, apthae, ulcers, and 



SCARLET-FEVER. — MEASLES. 



273 



all the forms of a putrid disease, follow, which must end in 
death. 

PROGNOSIS OF 



Scarlet-Fever. 

There is no more insidious and 
deceiving disease than scarlet-fe- 
ver. 

While mild and light in the be- 
ginning, in a few hours it may- 
assume its most terrible form. On 
the other hand, while threatening 
in the beginning, it may run a 
"mild course. The greatest dan- 
ger is from the first to the sixth 
day of the eruption. 

Weakly children, and children 
at the breast, are in great danger. 

Kobust children are more ex- 
posed to cerebral complications. 

A livid color of the eruption, 
its evanescent character, accom- 
panied by delirium, are dangerous 
symptoms. 

When the angina, or inflamma- 
tion of the throat, is proportionate 
to the eruption, it is more favor- 
able than when it is disproportion- 
ately slight, and disappears too 
rapidly. 

Inflammation and ulceration of 
the glands of the neck, foul breath, 
watery diarrhoea, stupor, vertigo, 
deafness, convulsions, grating of 
the teeth, retention of urine, hem- 
orrhages, sudden prostration of 
strength, frequent and small pulse, 
are dangerous symptoms. 

Violent, urging disposition to 
urinate, and discharge of watery 
urine, while the eruption is fully 
18 



Measles. 

This disease is generally mild in 
its character, although there are 
epidemics when it is very virulent 
and fatal. 

The sequelce, or after-effects of 
the disease, are more dangerous 
than the disease itself. 

The measles process may be in- 
tense, yet run a uniform and un- 
complicated course. 

The greatest danger is during 
desquamation. 

Weak and scrofulous children 
are more exposed to its after-ef- 
fects, such as chronic catarrh, sore 
eyes, ear-ache, coughs, &c. 

If the disease breaks out while 
the patient is affected by whoop- 
ing-cough, influenza, teething, the 
danger is greater. 

Irregular development of the 
disease, livid appearance of the 
eruption, sudden disappearance of 
it, with increase of cough and 
labored breathing, are dangerous 
signs. 

Great prostration, watery diar- 
rhoea, dulness, inflammation of the 
lungs, great restlessness, vomiting 
upon the disappearance of the 
eruption, are dangerous symptoms. 



274 



ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 



Scarlet-Feyer. 

out, indicate a dangerous attack on 
the brain and spinal marrow. 

Sudden change of color in the 
face, especially sudden paleness 
and coldness, indicate impending 
death. 

Favorable signs are : absence of 
internal inflammation ; florid erup- 
tion of a scarlet red ; regular course 
of the eruption ; general desquama- 
tion ; abatement of the pulse after 
the eruption is out. 



Measles. 



Small, running pulse; harass- 
ing, convulsive cough; labored 
breathing; hot and cold surface; 
clammy sweat ; hemorrhage, — in- 
dicate imminent danger. 



Favorable 



signs 



are : regular 



course of the eruption; the erup- 
tion is out in full, and well devel- 
oped. 

The fever abates on the appear- 
ance of the eruption ; the cough is 
slight, or absent ; the breathing is 
only slightly accelerated. The 
congestion of the eyes and dis- 
charges of the nose subside on the 
beginning of desquamation. 

In adults, this disease assumes a 
graver form than in children, pre- 
disposing the victims to pneumo- 
nia, phthisis pulmonalis, con- 
sumption, &c. 



DIET AND REGIMEN. 

Great precaution is requisite alike in both these diseases ; 
for the danger lies in the repercussion and sudden suppres- 
sion of the eruptions. All draughts, currents of air, dampness, 
must be carefully excluded from the room. While, in scarlet- 
fever, the room may be kept moderately cool, in measles, it 
should be kept moderately warm,. And so with beverages : 
in scarlet-fever, they should be cold; in measles, the chill 
should be off. Again : in scarlet-fever, it is very grateful 
and safe to the patient to sponge the body with cold vinegar 
and water ; it would be fraught with danger to do the same 
with measles. Ventilation of the room is necessary in both 
cases, but should be done only through another room or a 
hall, and not by means of an open window in the same 



SCARLET-FE VER. — MEASLES. 275 

room, except during a hot spell of weather in summer, and 
then with caution. 

The Beverages may consist ' of water, sweetened or not 
with a little sugar or syrup ; toast-water ; mucilaginous 
drinks, such as slippery-elm, gum-arabic water ; marsh- 
mallow-water, &c. 

The Nourishment should consist of barley, oat-meal, rice, 
bread-crumbs, farina, gruels, milk and water, bread and 
butter, stewed fruit, except in cases where great prostra- 
tion indicates the need of broths and beef-tea. 

The greatest care should be taken not to infringe on these 
rules during the stage of desquamation / for in both diseases 
this is the most critical period, when the system is very 
sensitive to dampness and cold, and when the foundations 
of a serious disease are apt to take root. No solid food 
should be given until this period is fairly passed, the fever 
gone, and all irritations subdued ; and the re-assumption 
of solid food should be gradual, and spare in quantity. 

Caution should be taken that change of linen and cloth- 
ing should be done with doors and windows closed, and that 
the fresh articles of clothing should have been exposed to a 
perfect drying process before the fire, immediately before 
putting them on. Do not trust linen that has been a long 
time washed and dry in a closet or drawer; for in that time 
it must have absorbed from the atmosphere a moisture which 
may be perilous in the extreme. 

If the eyes are inflamed or sore, the room should be kept 
dark. 

It is only after the eruption has entirely disappeared, and 
while the skin falls rapidly off, that the child may have a 
tepid bath. 

Should the brain give evidence of being invaded, the ut- 
most quietude should be enforced. 



276 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 

Use Of Water. There is an apprehension among people, 
that the application of cold water is fatal in eruptive dis- 
eases. This is an error. Cold water, properly applied, can 
be of great benefit to a child burning with an inflamed skin, 
and sometimes be the only means to save its life. A skilful 
and experienced hydropathist recommends the following 
treatment : " Wrap the patient within a sheet wet in common 
cold water, and then wrap around two blankets ; let the pa- 
tient remain in the pack until perspiration ensues, when you 
should wash it off with milk- warm water, and put the patient 
in dry clothing. If the throat is inflamed, wrap around the 
throat a cooling bandage during the perspiration, taking care 
to change it every five or ten minutes. If the first packing 
does not promote perspiration, renew the wet sheet until per- 
spiration ensues. This process is repeated as long as the 
fever exists in a high degree. 

" In case the eruption strikes in, the patient is sponged 
off in cold water all over, and, if spasms had ensued, dash 
cold water over him in large quantities until the spasm 
ceases ; wrap the patient then in blankets, without rubbing 
him, and, if possible, give as much cold water to drink as 
he can take. In most cases, a general perspiration will ensue, 
the eruption re-appear, and the patient be saved." — Pulte. 

The patient should be allowed to remain in the pack, if 
perspiration is promoted, until the high fever is decidedly 
reduced, and the eruption out in full again. He should be 
taken out of the pack, however, if, during perspiration, the 
heat in the head and throat increases, or difficulty of breath- 
ing ensues ; when he should be washed off with luke-warm 
water, thoroughly dried, and put in dry clothing. 

PREVENTIVE TREATMENT. 

It is universally acknowledged that Belladonna is a pro- 
phylactic against scarlet-fever. Even allopathic physicians 
now recommend it, regardless of its homoeopathic history. 



SCARLET-FE VER. — MEASLES. 277 

Whenever persons have been exposed to the infection, or 
are so near as to be in danger, Belladonna should be admin- 
istered. A few pellets twice a day will be sufficient ; or 
one drop of the tincture may be diluted in a tumbler half- 
full of ivater, and one teaspoonful given once or twice a 
day. 

Pulsatilla is said to be a prophylactic against measles. 
Although this is not so well proved as Belladonna in scarlet- 
fever, still, as it can do no harm, it should be given. Dose 
the same as Belladonna. 

TREATMENT OF SCARLET-FEVER. 

Aconite and Belladonna cover all the symptoms of scarlet- 
fever during its inflammatory stage. 

These two remedies should be given every hour or two, 
alternately, until the fever, and inflammation of the throat 
and eyes, abate. 

Hyoscyamus. A few globules may be given at night for 
restlessness or wakefulness. 

Ipecacuanha, If gastric symptoms are prominent, such 
as nausea, vomiting, fetid breath, loss of appetite, pain, and 
uneasiness about the stomach, diarrhoea with nausea. 

Mercurius. For ulcerations of the mouth ; profuse sali- 
vation ; ulcers on the tonsils, covered witji ash-colored 
sloughs ; deglutition very difficult. 

Mnriatic Acid. In malignant sore throat, when there is 
tendency to sloughings of the throat with great depression 
of the vital forces, tremors, confused intellect, cold extremi- 
ties, clammy sweat, watery diarrhoea. 

Arsenicum. When prostration is extreme, with pain in 



278 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 

the stomach and abdomen, great thirst, tongue and lips 
brown and dry, pulse extremely weak and thready, pinched 
countenance, watery diarrhoea, coldness of the extremities, 
clammy sweat. 

Cuprum Aceticum. For sudden disappearance of the 
eruption. 

Scarlet-fever should be treated by a skilful homoeopathic 
physician. 

The remedies should be repeated rather often, until they 
have produced the desired effect ; and, although I have con- 
fidence in high dilutions, in extremely dangerous cases I 
have always used the low. 

SEQUELS OF SCARLATINA. 

Ear-ache and ulceration in the ear. 

Belladonna should be given first. If no relief follow in 
twelve hours, give Pulsatilla. If these remedies fail, pour 
a drop or two of Oil of Sweet Almonds in the ear. The heart 
of a boiled onion, warm, applied within the ear, is an old 
remedy and a good sedative. It often relieves pain when 
every thing else fails. 

Hepar Sulphur. To be given internally if there is ten- 
dency to suppuration or ulceration, and apply an emollient 
warm poultice externally. 

Silicea or Sulphur (30th). For scrofulous children, who 
have chronic running at the ears. 

Swelling of glands around the neck. 
Mercurius. Also for ulceration and enlargement of 
tonsils. 

Dropsy of the body. 

Apis, and, if not relieved in two or three days, Helleborus. 



SCAELET-FE TEE. — MEASLES. 279 

Water on the brain. 

Helleborus and Bryonia, alternately every hour. 

For convulsions, see paragraph on "Convulsions of In- 
fants." 

Rheumatism, viz., pain in the wrists, ankles, or joints 
of any parts. 

Byronia first, then Rhus, then Colchicum. 

TREATMENT OF MEASLES. 

Aconite and Pulsatilla are the principal remedies in this 
disease ; Aconite during the inflammatory stage, Pulsatilla 
in almost all stages. 

Belladonna should be given if there are prominent head 
symptoms, — violent headache, congestion of the eyes, sore 
throat, twitchings, convulsions. 

Bryonia. Short, dry cough ; spasmodic cough ; difficult, 
short, anxious respiration ; stitches in the chest ; rheumatic 
pains in the limbs. Bryonia will alleviate the inflamma- 
tory symptoms, and bring out the eruption. 

Coffea or Hyoscyamus may be given for restlessness at 
night. 

For pneumonic and bronchial symptoms, see u Pneumo- 
nia " and " Bronchitis." 

In the typhoid state of malignant measles, the treatment 
is the same as in the " Malignant Scarlet-Fever," which see. 

For the treatment of the sequelae of measles, as chronic 
catarrh, whooping-cough, &c, see those diseases under their 
respective heads. 



280 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 

Dr. Franz Hartniann, treating of the sequelae of measles, 
says, "The treatment of the sequelae depends upon their 
locality, form, and character. Some of them occur so regu- 
larly, that I feel disposed to devote a few lines to them. 
One of the most common consequences of measles is a ca- 
tarrh, which has scarcely any of the measle character left. 
The cough which characterizes this catarrh is particularly 
troublesome : it is excited by every change in the weather, 
and is accompanied by a renewed roughness in the throat, 
and hoarseness. If it is a common cough, not distinguished 
by any characteristic symptoms, I have found one or two 
doses of Silicea (30th) sufficient to arrest it. If it is a spas- 
modic cough, of the nature of whooping-cough, and the 
roughness and hoarseness were present, Drosera, Ipecac, 
Cina, Hyoscyamus, Cuprum met., are the best remedies. For 
a rough and dry cough, Arnica, Chainomilla, Ignatia, Nux 
Vom., do the most good." 



SMALL-POX. — VARIOLOID. — CHICKEN-POX. 

The fears that overtake people at the appearance of 
these eruptions require that the characteristics of each 
should be brought before the reader in such a distinct man- 
ner as would leave no doubt in the mind of the mother or 
the attendants in regard to the exact nature of the erup- 
tion. 

SMALL-POX. 

Symptoms. Within two to fourteen days before the 
eruption appears, is often noticed a general malaise of the 
patient, — crossness, depression of spirits, frequent chills, 
restlessness, sleeplessness, want of appetite, vertigo. This 
stage is followed by the actual invasion, recognized by the 
following symptoms: chilliness, alternating with heat; 
thirst; want of appetite; colicky pains; diarrhoea; head- 



SMALL-POX. — VARIOLOID. — CHICKEN-POX. 281 

ache, &c. Fever ushers in, accompanied by gastric de- 
rangements : the tongue is coated ; the mouth tastes bad ; 
and nausea, vomiting, frontal headache, may be present ; 
the urine becomes dark; and constipation follows. Stiff- 
ness and violent pains attack the back and lumbar region. 
All these symptoms increase in violence in the evening ; and 
the back feels as if it would break. Somnolence over- 
powers the patient. Children start and cry during sleep ; 
grate their teeth, and have convulsive movements. Con- 
vulsions often precede the eruption. Often these symptoms 
become very violent, and are attended by hiccough, which 
seems to immediately precede the eruption, running at the 
nose, sneezing, hoarseness, cough, stitching in the chest, 
shortness of breath, difficult urination. This stage is often 
marked by great sinking of strength, paleness, and faint- 
ing. The skin now emanates a smell of musty bread. 

This stage lasts from two to three days. 

The symptoms now grow in intensity every succeeding 
evening, until the third; when the eruption shows itself. 

Appearance of the eruption. It is an elevation of the 
skin, as if lifted at different points with the head of a pin. 
These elevations look like blind pimples. They are hard, 
inflamed pimples, which appear first on the face, then on 
the neck, chest, back, and upper extremities. 

Course of the eruption. Each pimple, on the second 
day of its appearance, becomes flat, and somewhat trans- 
parent from the fluid it contains. It grows from the 
size of a pin's head to the size of a small pea ; and on the 
third day, it acquires a pit in the centre, and a bright red 
circumference. On the third day, the fluid in the vesicle 
assumes a milky, white, yellowish appearance. On the 
sixth day, the pock is fully formed, and begins to suppurate. 
It increases in size, takes a globular shape, changes to a 
yellow color ; first in the centre, afterwards at the circum- 
ference. The skin around becomes red and swollen, and 



282 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 

causes burning pain. On the eleventh and twelfth days, 
dessication commences. The pus changes to a crust, 
which, from a yellow, becomes of a brownish color. As it 
dries, the inflammation around disappears. The crusts 
adhere to the skin for four or five days, when they drop, 
leaving reddish-brown spots, or cicatrices or pits. 

The concomitant symptoms change with the develop- 
ment of the eruption. The swelling of the face increases, 
so that, sometimes, the eyes are closed. The skin burns ; 
and the patient complains of the most intolerable itching. 
The glands of the neck and arm-pits swell. On the ninth 
day, the suppuration sets in with repeated chills, burning 
heat of the skin, unquenchable thirst, frequent full pulse, 
headache, restlessness, and delirium. Towards morning, 
the fever remits, and sweat breaks out with a strong odor : 
the urine becomes turbid, with a thick, slimy sediment. 

In confluent small-pox, the above symptoms are greatly 
intensified. The face is thickly studded with the eruptive 
pox; the skin is very much inflamed and swollen; and 
the fever is intense ; the inflammation spreads to the in- 
terior ; the eruption invades even the throat, and the pros- 
tration is so great as to put life in imminent danger. 

I shall not go into the various phases of this severe dis- 
ease, for a skilful physician should be in attendance. 

Complications. Laryngitis and bronchitis and pleurisy 
often accompany small-pox. Any complication is to be re- 
garded as dangerous in the extreme. 

Sequela?. Disease of the eyes, leading to blindness, 
ear-ache, deafness, and ozaena, often follow the small-pox. 
Other affections may follow, particularly ulceration of the 
bowels, according to the constitution of the patient. 

During the precursory stage of this disease, the symp- 
toms may be mistaken with an incursion of scarlatina or 
measles ; but, with the former, the presence or absence of 
the sore throat, and the peculiar straivberry-like tongue, 



SMALL-POX. — VARIOLOID. — CHICKEN-POX. 283 

should be the distinguishing marks 5 while, in the latter, the 
peculiar catarrh-symptoms, the fluent coryza, and lachry- 
mation should also distinguish it from small-pox 5 which, 
if it has them, they would only be in a very moderate 
degree. 

VARIOLOID 

is only a modified form of small-pox. All the small-pox 
symptoms may be present, but in a mild form. It is more 
rapid in its course ; it has a shorter precursory stage ; and 
the eruption is irregular and rapid. The fever is milder, 
and does not give forth that unmistakable smell during the 
stage of maturation. There is very little swelling of the 
face : the pustules are farther apart, and scarcely ever 
leave any scar, unless they are dug out by scratching. It 
runs pretty much the same course as small-pox, except that 
it is shorter, and not so violent. 

Sequelai. Varioloid seldom leaves subsequent diseases, 
although abscesses, furuncles, rheumatism of the joints, 
may follow it. 

chicken-pox (Varicella). 

After one or two days of malaise, accompanied by fever, 
chills, gastric derangement, catarrhal symptoms, loss of 
appetite, nausea, or vomiting, the characteristic eruption 
appears. This eruption seems to have no predilection for 
localities : it may first appear on the chest, the hand, the 
body or limbs. 

The eruption, which commences as minute pimples, soon 
spreads out into vesicles, which look like round blisters 
caused by the falling on the skin of drops of boiling water. 
In three or four days, they dry up without going to supj^ura- 
tion. While some dry, others come out, which is not the 
case with the small-pox. 

We shall now consider the treatment of these diseases 
separately. 



284 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 

TREATMENT OF SMALL-POX AND VARIOLOID. 

Sarracenia Purpurea (known under the names of 
" huntsman's-cap," " side-saddle-flower," " fly-trap/' "pitch- 
er-plant ") has received Such testimonials at the hand 
of physicians in the treatment of small-pox, that none 
should hesitate an instant in giving it whenever the 
characteristic symptoms or eruption make their appear- 
ance. 

The writer must add to those favorable testimonials his 
own experience. During the small-pox epidemic in Wash- 
ington in 1862, he took the opportunity of giving a fair 
test to the remedy in question ; and he must acknowledge, 
that, in every case, the relief was very perceptible. In 
the majority of cases, as soon as the patient was put 
under the influence of that remedy, the pustules seemed 
to cease in their virulent inflammation and development, 
dry up and fall, without leaving the dreaded marks. He 
has used it empirically / but his success was not less true. 
He used the tincture, as prepared by homoeopathic pharma- 
cists, in the following manner : — 

To an infant under two years of age, he would give one 
drop of the tincture to a teaspoonful of water, every hour, 
from the discovery of the characteristic eruption. 

To a child from two to ten, two drops ; to a person older, 
four drops ; as above said. 

In twelve hours, he would notice a very apparent abate- 
ment of the disease. The febrile symptoms would diminish ; 
the urine would pass abundantly ; the pustules would lose 
their angry look. As soon as the abatement became percep- 
tible, he lengthened the interval between the doses to 
two, three, and four hours, until the scabs were formed 
and dry, and commenced dropping off; when he stopped it 
entirely. 

The purely homoeopathic treatment is the following : — 



SMALL-POX. — VARIOLOID. — CHICKEN-POX. 285 

Aconite and Belladonna should be given, in alternation, 
every hour during the first stage, when the fever is high, 
the eyes red, the face swollen, the skin red. 

Mercurins, in place of Belladonna, as soon as the eruption 
begins to suppurate, or invades the throat ; also when saliva- 
tion is one of the symptoms. 

Stibium (Tartar-emetic) is a remedy much extolled in 
small-pox. Dr. Liedbeck of Stockholm prescribes one-half 
grain of the crude drug to a tumblerful of water, one table- 
spoonful of the solution every four hours. This should be 
prescribed as soon as the eruption develops, or invades the 
throat, and continued until the abatement of the disease. 
Like Mercurius and Belladonna, it may be alternated with 
Aconite during the feverish exacerbation. 

There are other remedies that could be suggested accord- 
ing to the different complications ; but the small-pox is a dis- 
ease that does, not warrant a non-professional to take entire 
charge of the- case : hence it is better to suggest no further 
remedies. 

The treatment of varioloid does not differ from that of 
small-pox. 

Thuja is believed to be a prophylactic against small-pox 
or varioloid. A few pellets of Thuja should be taken morn- 
ing and evening, by those who have been exposed to it. 
Vaccination should be sought, of course, during epidemics 
of small-pox. 

DIET AND REGIMEN. 

During the course of this disease, until dessication is fairly 
established, the diet should be rather cool than warm ; the 
patient should have only light broths, sago, arrow-root, and 
ripe fruits. It is only when the patient becomes low, 



286 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 

and falls into a typhoid state, that he requires rich broths 
and very nourishing food. 

The chamber of the patient should be cool, and freely ven- 
tilated. The bed-clothes and linen should be changed often. 
If pustules are on the scalp, the hair should be cut off. The 
surface of the body should be sponged several times a day 
with tepid water. 

Cold cream, olive-oil, or glycerine, and lime-water, may be 
smeared with a camePs-hair-pencil over the itching surfaces : 
this will afford relief. 

Cooling drinks, lemon-juice, tamarinds, raspberry-syrup, 
diluted in water, may be taken in moderate quantities to 
quench the thirst. 

Many are the means suggested to prevent " pitting " by 
external applications. These should not be used without the 
advice of a physician experienced in such treatment. 

TREATMENT OF THE SEQUELS. 

If the patient, after a course of small-pox or varioloid, 
is afflicted with chronic ophthalmia, the following remedies 
should be tried : — 

Hepar Sulphur. Pressure in the eyes ; redness, inflamma- 
tion, and swelling of the lids; obscuration of sight while 
reading ; twinkling before the eyes. 

Mercurius. Itching in the eyes, inflammation, lachryma- 
tion, swelling, redness, ulcerations, dim-sightedness, scurfs 
around the lids, suppuration and agglutination of the lids. 

Euphrasia. Eyes are blood-shot; the lids are inflamed 
and ulcerate ; the light is unbearable. The eyes are very 
painful, particularly during wet weather. Stitches are felt 
in the ball of the eyes. Matter exudes during the night. 

For boils in any part of the body, HydriocUcum for ten 
days, followed by Sulphur (30th). 



RUBEOLA. — ROSEOLA. — FEVERS. 287 

For convulsions) see treatment of " Convulsions of Chil- 
dren." 

For caries of the bones. Cilicea (30th). 

For further treatment of these sequelce, apply to your 
physician. 

TREATMENT OF CHICKEN-POX. 

Seldom does this disease require any medical treatment. 
If the fever is high, however, Aconite may be given. If there 
is much excitement, the child is restless, his head is hot, 
Belladonna should be given. 

Coffea, at night, will quiet the nervous system, and induce 
sleep. 

Pulsatilla, six globules every night, is given as a prophy- 
lactic or preventive after exposure to the disease. 



RUBEOLA. — ROSEOLA. 

During the epidemic prevalence of an eruptive disease, 
many mild and light eruptions, simulating the prevalent 
ones, are apt to occur. The treatment of these eruptions 
can be selected from the remedies for scarlet-fever, measles, 
or varioloid, according to their resemblance to either of 
those diseases. 



INFANTILE REMITTENT FEVER. 

This fever is a species of typhoid fever. It rarely occurs 
in infants. It abates, but does not discontinue. Every 
abatement, which may last for hours, is succeeded by a rise 
of fever. A skilful physician should be in attendance. 



288 FEVERS. 



INTERMITTENT EEVER. 

This fever often occurs in children of the most tender age ; 
nay, babies have been born with the intermittent fever, from 
mothers who had the fever during pregnancy. Children 
residing in malarious districts, where the fever and ague 
prevails, are liable to it like grown persons. 

SYMPTOMS. 

The child may not shake like a grown person ; but, if notice 
is taken, it will be found, that, at a certain time of the day, 
the child becomes listless ; it does not want to nurse ; it is 
very restless, or else falls into a torpid sleep. His feet and 
hands become cold ; his face pale and bluish. In an hour 
or two, he becomes very feverish ; hands, feet, and head be- 
come hot ; the child sleeps as if in a stupor. In three or 
four hours, a moisture is noticed on his body; the fever 
abates, and gradually leaves it entirely. From the moment 
the fever has left it, it wants to nurse, becomes playful, and 
appears well. In twenty-four or forty-eight hours, however, 
the above symptoms re-appear and follow the same course. 

TREATMENT. 

During the intermission, give the child half a grain of 
Sweet Quinine every three hours. As soon as the child 
misses the fever, continue the Quinine for several days, giv- 
ing only one powder one or two hours before the usual hour 
that the chill would set in. 

With this treatment, I have never failed to arrest the 
intermittent fever in an infant within three or four days. 

Every remedy in the homoeopathic Materia Medica is good 
in some phases of intermittent fever ; for this fever is 
accompanied by so many different symptoms, that no one 
remedy, or set of remedies, could cover them. And, as it 



INFLAMMATIONS OF THE EAR. 289 

would be absolutely impossible to discover those symptoms 
in an infant that cannot express them, I have adopted the 
empirical system in the case, and with success. 

If any complications arise, however, and the fever is not 
arrested in five or six days, under the above treatment, a 
physician should be called to attend. 



AFFECTIONS OF THE EAR. 

Inflammation of the ear (" Otitis ") may be caused by 
exposure to damp or cold, and also by a sudden suppression 
of an eruption. 

The symptoms are : violent burning, stitching pain deep 
in the ears ; swelling and redness of the ear ; fever. 

Ear-ache (" Otalgia") resembles inflammation of the ear; 
but the fever, the redness, and swelling are absent. This is 
more like neuralgia, and comes from a cold taken, or from 
sympathy, during the eruptions of the teeth. The excite- 
ment of the pulse is owing to the restlessness and the violent 
beating pain within the ear. 

Running of the ears ("Otorrhcea "). This is generally a 
sequelo3 of inflammation of the ear. After a severe form of 
inflammation and acute pain, the ear begins to run thick 
yellow pus, causing great relief to the patient : this running 
often continues even after the inflammation has entirely sub- 
sided. Running of the ears is not rare after measles or 
scarlet-fever. 

The crying of children in ear-ache is spasmodic and in- 
termittent (see " Indications of Cries "). 

TREATMENT. 

Aconite and Belladonna, alternately, every hour or two, 
when the ear is red, painful to touch, and swollen. There 



290 AFFECTIONS OF THE EAR. 

is fever, intense pain, headache, shooting pains around the 
ear. The inflammation follows scarlet-fever. 

Pulsatilla often relieves quicker than Belladonna for the 
same symptoms. The pains are darting and tearing, the 
child screams with pain, the inflammation follows the 
measles. 

Mercurius. The child is worse in a warm bed, complains 
of chilliness ; a tooth is in process of eruption ; the pain ex- 
tends to the teeth. The inflammation follows small-pox, 
varioloid, or chicken-pox. 

For chronic running of the ears : — 

Purulent matter : Mercurius, Hepar sulpli., Calcarea. 

Bloody matter : Mercurius, Lachesis. 

Mucous liquid : Mercurius, Suplhur, Calcarea. 

Very offensive matter : Mercurius, Hepar Sulphur, Cal- 
carea, Nilicea. 

REGIMEN. 

When the pain is violent, a warm poultice of hops will be 
very grateful to the ear. 

The violent neuralgic pain I have often relieved by pour- 
ing a drop or two of the oil of sweet almonds within the ear. 
The heart of a roasted onion, reduced to the size that can 
enter the ear, has often given relief when every thing else 
failed. Oil and laudanum, equal parts, will also relieve the 
acuteness of the pain ; a little raw cotton, soaked in two 
drops only, should be introduced within the ear. 

The warm poultice should be continued as long as the 
pain lasts ; for, besides relieving acute neuralgia, it will hasten 
the formation of matter in inflammation, which will soon 
break forth, and relieve the patient entirely. 



DISEASES 

OF THE EESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

The mucous membrane of the respiratory organs is ex- 
cessively susceptible, not only in children, but in persons 
of all ages. It becomes easily disturbed from trifling 
causes, direct and indirect. Change of atmosphere, a little 
exposure to dampness, to heat or cold, the eruption of a 
tooth, irritation of the stomach, or intestinal worms, are 
often enough to induce an aggravated case of cough, bron- 
chitis, and pneumonia in a child. The younger the child, 
the more susceptible the mucous membrane, and the more 
dangerous its inflammation. For the want of power and 
knowledge to expel the mucus that accumulates in the 
air-tubes, the child is often exposed to suffocation. 

BRONCHITIS AND PNEUMONIA (Broncho-Pneumonia). 

To understand these diseases, imagine the lungs to be a 
sponge ; the narrow channels through it, bronchial-tubes ; 
and the holes around and between those spongy fibrous chan- 
nels, air-cells. Those channels and holes are lined, as it 
were, by a mucous membrane ; which, when it becomes irri- 
tated, exudes a quantity of fluid or mucus, filling up the holes 
and channels. As the channels are there to allow the 
atmospheric air to get to the air-cells, it is easily compre- 
hended that the mucus will greatly interfere with and 
even totally prevent the entrance and exit of the air, so 
necessary to the purification of the blood in the lungs. 
When the air is totally prevented from entering, the pa- 
tient is choked to death ; and, in proportion as it prevents 
the air from entering, the danger to life increases or dimin- 



292 DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

islies. The drawing-in of the air, which is done by the 
inherent power of expansion of the lungs, is called "inspi- 
ration : " the expulsion of the air, which is done by the 
inherent power of the lungs to contract, is called " expira- 
tion." 

The necessity for the constant change of the air in the 
lungs is induced by the fact that pure atmospheric air is 
needed there to decarbonize or oxygenate the blood. The 
pure air gives up its oxygen, the very essence of life, to the 
blood, and receives in its place carbonic acid, the most 
destructive poison. In this manner, the blood becomes 
arterialized or oxygenated ; and the carbonic acid which is 
formed in this process of oxidation is thrown off by the 
expiration of the lungs. Thus the equilibrium is main- 
tained. The moment this process is stopped, death must 
ensue from the poisonous effect of an overdose of carbonic 
acid retained in the blood. There are other chemical pro- 
cesses going on between the constituents of the air and 
those of the blood ; but the one described is the most im- 
portant to life. 

The inflammation of the lining membrane of those chan- 
nels or bronchial tubes, holes or air-cells, is called "Bron- 
chitis" 

Recurring to the sponge (in a figurative sense), it may be 
observed that there is a substance around those tubes and 
cells, which goes to form the mass of the sponge : so it is in 
the lungs. The tissue proper composing the mass of the 
lung is called "Parenchyma." When this tissue takes up 
inflammation, it induces a disease called " Pneumonia." 

An inflammation of any part of the tissue may be fol- 
lowed by a disorganization or suppuration of that part, 
which, if not arrested or circumscribed, may cause imme- 
diate death or remote consumption. When a part of the 
lung thus inflamed progresses towards suppuration or solidi- 
fication, the air-tubes and cells contained in it become 



BRONCHITIS. 293 

stopped and useless in the process of the oxygenation of the 
blood ; and the whole system must suffer in consequence of 
that loss. 

Whenever both the parenchyma, and the air-tubes and 
the cells, are diseased at the same time, it is called " Bron- 
cho-pneumonia." 

Having thus a crude outline of the locality of those dis- 
eases, and the complex nature of their anatomical relation, 
one can readily understand the danger following such 
inflammations in children of a tender age, and, in fact, in 
people of all ages. 

BKONCHITIS, 
AND ITS DISTINCTIVE SYMPTOMS. 

Bronchitis commences with the common catarrhal symp- 
toms, -r- a common cold ; chilliness followed by fever ; hoarse- 
ness; respiration difficult, quick, and oppressed; severe, 
frequent, and distressing cough, at first dry, then very 
loose. Mucus accumulates rapidly in the wind-pipe and the 
bronchial tubes, which causes a very audible rattle at every 
inspiration and expiration ; the child draws up its shoul- 
ders and dilates its nostrils at every inspiration ; expecto- 
ration sometimes temporarily relieves, and occasionally the 
mucus is expelled from the air-passages by vomiting ; the 
countenance is pale and anxious, and somewhat livid. These 
symptoms are interrupted and relieved by occasional remis- 
sions, during which the child generally appears drowsy. 
Probably the child sleeps from fatigue during these inter- 
missions. However, if the disease is not checked, the symp- 
toms return in a more aggravated form; the difficulty 
of breathing becomes excessive ; and the accumulation of 
mucus so great as to threaten it with immediate suffocation. 

The child's appetite is impaired, and he appears very 
thirsty. The tongue is coated white. Children at the 



294 DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

breast nurse with great difficulty, on account of the want 
of breath : they seem to be eager to seize the nipple, but 
they soon drop it, and commence crying, throwing back 
their head. 

All the symptoms grow worse at night. 

This disease may be mistaken for croup. 

Putting the ear to the breast, a great rattling is heard all 
over, or only on the side affected. 



PNEUMONIA, 
AND ITS DISTINCTIVE SYMPTOMS. 

Pneumonia is seldom a primitive affection in children : 
it more generally supervenes after an eruptive fever, — 
measles particularly, or whooping-cough. Its symptoms are 
almost the same as in bronchitis, with the exception that 
the cough is generally dryer, shorter, and more hurried : it 
is also more continuous and painful. Every inspiration, 
talking or crying, makes the child cough. In bronchitis, 
the cough is more paroxysmal. The pulse may not be very 
quick, but is very full. The face, instead of being pale 
and livid, as in bronchitis, is red and flushed, and the eyes 
congested and shiny. The skin is very hot. As the inflam- 
mation runs higher, however, the pulse may become very 
quick, hard, and wiry. The tongue is parched, and of a 
dark red. The child is restless. It awakes suddenly from 
sleep, and seems frightened. The bowels are usually consti- 
pated ; and children at the breast vomit. The child breathes 
with open mouth, which becomes dry in consequence. 

In putting the ear to the breast during the first stage, a 
crepitous sound is heard, not unlike the crackling of salt put 
in the fire, or horse-hairs rubbed between the fingers. 
The mucous rattle, found in bronchitis, is absent ; or, if 
heard, it will be in a very moderate degree. 



BRONCHITIS AND PNEUMONIA. 295 

As the inflammation gains ground, the substance of the 
lung becomes altered in structure, and it is now said to have 
entered the second stage, or stage of hepatization ; viz., 
filling up of the air-cells, and solidifying of the part. Per- 
cussion, which is done by placing one hand flat on the chest, 
and striking it with the points of the fingers of the other 
hand, yields a dull sound where the lung is thus affected, 
and a hollow sound where not. 

If the disease be not checked at that stage, it runs to the 
third, or suppurative stage of the disorder. Percussion will 
yield a sound more dull. A gurgling sound may be heard 
over the part affected, showing that matter has formed, and 
that the air passes through it. The symptoms become 
alarming at this stage. The face becomes patched with 
red, and is sometimes livid ; the pulse weak and irregular ; 
the hands and feet become cold at times ; a cold sweat may 
cover the forehead ; the strength sinks rapidly. 

Children under three years of age expectorate seldom ; 
and this mode of relief, so important in cases of adults, is 
unavailable, and the matter thus ordinarily cast forth is un- 
noticed. 



TREATMENT OF BRONCHITIS, PNEUMONIA, AND BRONCHO- 
PNEUMONIA. 

The two first-named diseases, so well marked and distinct 
in adults, are not always easily recognized when they occur 
in children ; because, very often, they are both present at 
the same time : indeed, we may say that they are seldom 
found separately in infants under two years of age, develop- 
ing what is called " broncho-pneumonia." Fortunately, 
this diagnostic difficulty does not affect the treatment; for 
homoeopathic physicians treat the symptoms as they are 
found, with great success, even if the true pathological con- 
dition remains undiscovered. 



296 DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

Aconite. Fever ; dry, burning heat, with thirst ; shiver- 
ing from time to time ; pulse hard and frequent ; agitation 
and starting during sleep ; short breathing ; painful stitches 
in the chest. 

Belladonna. Constant desire to sleep ; starting from 
sleep as if frightened ; the head is hot ; strong pulsations 
of the arteries of the head 5 respiration short, anxious, and 
rapid. 

Bryonia. Dry cough, painful cough, sighing respiration, 
crying after a paroxysm of dry cough. Motion aggravates 
the cough. Constipation, hoarseness. 

Tartar-Emetic. Severe paroxysms of coughing, rattling 
in the chest, wheezing, shortness of breath, oppression at 
the chest, great anxiety and agitation, thirst, the bronchial 
tubes are full of mucus, vomiting. 

Hyoscyamus. At night : great restlessness, coughs more 
at night than during the day, sleeplessness. 

Phosphorus. Particularly in the advanced stages of the 
disease : dry cough ; dull sound on percussion ; gurgling 
sound in auscultation, or listening examination. This rem- 
edy, however, is useful in almost every stage of pneumonia. 
Increase of the short, dry, hacking cough, especially in the 
evening. The child cries when it has to cough : the 
paroxysms are painful. 

Sulphur may be preferred to Phosphorus or Tartar-emetic 
when the child gives signs of a scrofulous constitution, or 
comes from parents who are scrofulous. 

Ipecac. Loose cough, but unattended with the severe 
symptoms of Tartar-emetic. 

Mercurius should be given when the tongue is coated yeV- 



SORE THROAT. 297 

low, the stools are a light color, the urine is dark, and the 
skin sallow. 

These diseases are sufficiently formidable to require the 
attendance of a physician. 

For their treatment, the author prefers the low dilutions, 
although accomplished high-dilutionists meet with great 
success. 

As long as the fever is present, the Aconite should not be 
discontinued, but alternated with another remedy well indi- 
cated by the symptoms. The medicines should be given at 
the. short intervals of an hour or two, until the acute symp- 
toms have abated; when the intervals should be prolonged 
in proportion to the abatement. 

When a remedy is well chosen, it should not be too 
readily given up for another, unless the symptoms have 
changed. 

The child should be nursed or fed frequently, but little at 
a time. It should be kept in a room of even temperature. 

A flannel immersed in hot alcohol may be put on the 
chest if it gives positive sign of local pain. 

Care should be taken, in washing it, not to give additional 
cold. It should be washed with warm water. 



SIMPLE SOKE THROAT. — ULCERATED SORE THROAT. 
ENLARGEMENT OF THE TONSILS. 

Children, like adults, are liable to a simple sore throat, 
as well as to ulcerated and enlarged tonsils. 

The common sore throat is ushered in with a cold, some- 
times with chilliness and fever ; the back part of the throat, 
the palate and tonsils, becomes red and swollen. 

These symptoms may pass off in twenty-four hours, or 
may go on to a higher degree of inflammation ; when an 



298 DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

abscess may be formed in the tonsils, causing great pain, 
difficulty of breathing and swallowing. The abscess bursts, 
if not lanced, and the symptoms abate. 

The ulcerated sore throat, or " quinsy/' is more danger- 
ous, and its symptoms more severe. High fever, painful 
deglutition, and difficulty of breathing; the tonsils are cov- 
ered by small whitish elevations, which break, and assume 
an ulcerated appearance. 

When scarlet-fever is about as an epidemic, this sore 
throat occurs in a virulent form among children. 

It commences with coldness of the surface, followed by 
intense fever; the breathing is oppressed; the voice has a 
choked sound, and the child is often nauseated ; the eyes 
are congested; the cheeks are deep red; the nose is 
inflamed, and discharges an acrid fluid that excoriates the 
upper lip ; the pulse is rapid and weak ; the child is very 
restless ; the breath becomes offensive, and the lips and 
tongue show, also, ulcerations ; the glands around the neck 
become enlarged; and the disease assumes a dangerous 
type. 

On the other hand, all these symptoms may be present, 
but in a mild form. 

If the disease is not properly treated, the tonsils remain 
enlarged after the acute attack is passed, and the trouble 
assumes the character of " chronic enlargement of the ton- 
sils," which has induced many heroes of the old school to 
cut them off, without doing a particle of good to their pa- 
tients. 

TREATMENT. 

In all these cases of sore throat, the first thing to be done 
is to place around the neck a bandage wet in cold water, 
well covered with a piece of flannel to prevent quick evapo- 
ration. Every two hours, the bandage should be removed, 
dipped in cold water, and re-applied. In the commencement 



SORE THROAT. 299 

of the attack ; the feet should be immersed in warm water 
for five minutes, and then ivell dried. 

If the child cannot or will not swallow, on account of the 
pain in deglutition, the remedies should be administered in 
pellets or powders, and allowed to remain within the mouth, 
where they will dissolve and be absorbed. 

Aconite and Belladonna, alternately, every hour or two, 
should be taken at the very onset of the disease, when the 
following symptoms are present : fever or feverishness ; dry- 
ness in the mouth and throat ; thirst, with fear to drink ; 
deep redness of the tonsils and palate ; red, swollen face ; 
eyes congested ; fear of the light ; pain in the ear. 

Hercurius. Sore throat caused by a cold ; great pain in 
the throat ; enlargement and ulceration of the tonsils, also 
of the lips and tongue ; great difficulty in swallowing ; elon- 
gation and dropsical swelling of the soft palate. 

Kali Bichromicmn (Bichromate of Potash), 1st trituration. 
Two grains dissolved in fifteen teaspoonfuls of water : 
one teaspoonful should be given, alternately with Mercurius, 
when the tonsils are not only ulcerated, but show a disposi- 
tion to form patches of membrane over them. 

Baryta Carbonica (12th trituration) is another excellent 
remedy, and particularly in that very red sore throat during 
the prevalence of scarlet-fever. It may be given in alter- 
nation with Aconite if fever is present. 

There are many other excellent remedies for the treat- 
ment of throat-diseases ; but, as this volume is intended more 
to prevent the development of severe diseases than to treat 
them, the author would prefer not to confuse the non-profes- 
sional attendant with too many remedies. 

The above treatment will suffice for the majority of cases ; 



300 DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

but, when it does not, no time should be lost in consulting 
with a physician. 

DIET AND REGIMEN. 

The food should be very light, and in liquid form. The 
swallowing of small bits of ice will be grateful to the patient, 
and useful in allaying the local inflammation. 

If the child is constipated, an enema of luke-warm water 
should be given. 

CROUP. 

Croup, commonly so called, appears in two distinct forms, 
one of which is connected with little or no danger to life, 
while the other is intensely perilous. 

Marcy and Hunt, in their theory and practice, give such 
a clear account of the two forms, that I shall transmit it 
here almost verbatim. 

1. False, or Non-membranous, or Spasmodic Croup. This 
croup usually makes its appearance suddenly, with consid- 
erable difficulty of breathing, noisy and wheezing inspira- 
tions, a short, dry, hoarse cough, occurring but rarely, and 
an entire absence of febrile symptoms. 

Catarrhal croup also commences suddenly, with "a 
croupy cough," hoarse voice, shrill, wheezing, and sonorous 
inspirations, oppression and tightness of the chest, and sud- 
den attacks of dyspnoea ; but, in a few days, the croupy 
character will wear off of itself, leaving simple catarrhal 
symptoms. — Watson. 

This catarrhal croup is, however, preceded by catarrhal 
symptoms, such as sneezing, running at the nose and eyes. 

"An important peculiarity of all the varieties of false 
croup consists in the suddenness of their attacks. Chil- 
dren may retire to their beds in the most perfect health, 



CROUP. 301 

and yet, in an hour or two, be disturbed from a sound sleep 
with an apparently alarming attack of croup. It is impor- 
tant, however, that all should be aware that these seem- 
ingly dangerous cases are much less to be dreaded than those 
which make their appearance in a more slow and insidious 
manner, as will be seen by the description of true croup, 
below : — 

" In the varieties above described, although there may 
be difficult, labored, anxious, and wheezing respiration, 
hoarse, harsh, and croupy cough; hoarse voice; and the 
patient may seem to be in imminent danger of suffocation ; 
yet the fact that it has occurred suddenly, and that the 
cough bears no resemblance to the dreadful metallic cough 
of real croup, will afford sure indication of its nature, and 
one to become assured that the attack will be speedily 
subdued." 

2. True, or Membranous Croup, is usually ushered in 
with the ordinary symptoms of catarrh : as chilliness, 
sneezing, some soreness of the throat, hot skin, thirst, 
slightly accelerated pulse, hoarse voice, and some little im- 
pediment to respiration. At this period, a whistling or 
" buzzing sound may be heard at the glottis [the narrow 
opening at the base of the tongue, the entrance to the 
wind-pipe], by placing the ear upon the back of the neck 
or over the larynx." — Ware. 

As the disease advances, the febrile symptoms increase ; 
the respiration gradually becomes more labored and diffi- 
cult; the inspirations, particularly after coughing, being 
slow, sawing, sonorous, or ringing; while the expirations 
are quick, the cough is dry, and gives forth a metallic 
sound; the voice becomes more shrill; the pulse is frequent 
and small ; the expression of countenance swollen and anx- 
ious ; the head is thrown back ; the extremities are cold, 
while the rest of the body maintains its exalted tempera- 



302 DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

ture ; there is often a profuse perspiration, until finally the 
respiration is so much impeded that the blood is but slightly 
oxygenated. The cheeks and lips become livid, the eyes red 
and sunken, the pulse extremely small and frequent, the 
whole organism prostrated; and the child expires in a 
state of asphyxia, or suffocation." 

"Causes. A cold and damp atmosphere, wet feet, and 
exposure to the air which blows from seas or lakes." The 
patient is perhaps predisposed to it, as it is often seen that 
a child becomes croupy on very slight provocations. Croup 
may also follow eruptive fevers, as scarlatina, measles, &c. 

TREATMENT. 

In false, or spasmodic croup, the writer has found that 
Hepar Sulpli., 3d, alternated with Ipecac (one drop dose of 
the tincture in a teasjpoonful of water) every ten or fifteen 
minutes > would almost invariably change the hard, dry, 
hoarse, grating sound of the cough, into a moist, loose, easy 
cough, that would show a decided abatement of the alarm- 
ing symptoms within an hour. The paroxysms would 
return further apart, and the child would sleep without 
moaning, or oppression of the chest. Wake the child to 
give the dose at the regular intervals, until the symptoms 
have greatly ameliorated, when it should be allowed to 
sleep half an hour : at which time cause it to cough, to be 
sure that the improvement continues ; then let it go to sleep 
under the watchful care of the mother, who is to give a 
dose of one or the other, in its turn, after every spell of 
coughing. 

Should the paroxysm be so intense as to threaten suffo- 
cation, I have often caused the child to take two or three 
teaspoonfuls of melted lard, unsalted, which it would soon 
throw up. The vomiting would cause such a relaxation of 
the system as would prevent a return of the spasm. 



CROUP. 303 

Aconite is important when any feverishness is present, 
and seems also useful in arresting the cough which follows 
after the expiration of air. 

Spongia should be alternated with aconite in catarrhal 
cough, having the following symptoms : hollow cough, 
with expectoration and pain in the chest. Spongia, unlike 
Aconite, seems to cause the cough during inspiration. 

Bromine is probably the most important remedy in the 
treatment of membranous croup. The membrane is 
formed; the child breathes with great difficulty, and a 
sibillant noise is heard at every inspiration. Its head is 
thrown back, it looks anxious, and grasps, with its little 
hands, at the throat, to relieve the oppression. The child 
gasps for air. 

The writer has saved several children threatened with 
imminent death by suffocation, with Bromine, first dilu- 
tion ; five drops in fifteen teaspoonfuls of water, and one 
teaspoonful (alternately with Aconite, when fever was pres- 
ent) every thirty minutes or one hour, until an absolute 
improvement became evident, when the intervals were pro- 
longed. 

Bi-Chromate of Potash. One grain of the 1st tritura- 
tion, dissolved in ten ieaspoonfith of water, has been also 
given with success, when the child now and then vomits 
pieces of membrane, and when the Bromine does not 
improve the case in twelve hours. 

Tartar-emetic is useful, not only in the early stages of 
croup, but it is indicated, also, when there are indicative 
signs of paralysis. The face is livid and cold ; cold sweat on 
the forehead and body ; respiration exceedingly difficult, 
short, hoarse, shrill, and whistling ; head thrown back ; pulse 



304 DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

small and rapid; difficulty of swallowing; disposition to 
sleep. 

A dose of the 1st trituration to be given every twenty 
or thirty minutes, until relief is obtained. — Marcy and 
Hunt 

REGIMEN AND DIET. 

A fine handkerchief wet in cold water should be imme- 
diately put all around the neck, and covered with flannel 
to prevent evaporation. It should be renewed every hour. 

The room should be kept of an even temperature, rather 
warm, or about seventy-five degrees. 

A warm foot-bath may be useful. 

The nourishment should be of the mildest if the child is 
not at the breast; arrow-root, farina, milk and water. 
Water may be given freely if the child is thirsty. 

I need hardly say, that membranous croup requires the 
attendance of the best physician attainable. 



DIPHTHERIA. 

Diphtheria is a disease of so complicated a nature, so dan- 
gerous to life, that the author might be excused from at- 
tempting to give it a place in a work which is intended for 
persons who are not expected to be learned in the science of 
medicine. Yet its invasion is often so sudden, and its dan- 
ger so imminent, that he considers a brief outline important, 
inasmuch as it will awaken the careful suspicion of parents, 
and induce them to seek the immediate attendance of a skil- 
ful physician. 

A child, a person of any age in fact, is attacked by a 
severe cold, with fever and sore throat. The illness pro- 
gresses rapidly, and is marked by a prostration out of 
proportion to the length of time that the patient has been 
sick. In mild cases, the throat is simply red and swollen, 



DIPHTHERIA. 305 

like quinsy or scarlet-fever, or ulcerated, like the old 
fashioned ulcerated sore-throat. These cases get well 
rapidly, and one is apt to think that he can easily cure 
diphtheria. 

The real characteristic of diphtheria, however, is a false 
membrane that covers the tonsils and the soft palate ; this 
membrane forms quickly, in patches, which rapidly spread 
and coalesce, thus covering, in a short time, the whole throat, 
and extending even down the larynx. 

The patient then finds difficulty in hreathing, and is al- 
most totally devoid of the power of swallowing. 

Liquids are almost immediately returned through the 
nose, and solids cannot even be attempted. 

The glands of the neck become sympathetically enlarged, 
and stiffness of the neck supervenes. The pulse is quick 
and small. 

The membrane, at first almost transparent, soon becomes 
opaque and thick, and assumes a yellowish color resembling 
the color of leather. At this stage it begins to detach, and 
large pieces are thrown off, leaving underneath an inflamed 
surface, which soon becomes re-covered by the formation of 
a second membrane. The second membrane adheres more 
firmly than the first, and any attempt to remove it causes 
bleeding. 

In some cases, the patient is taken from the commence- 
ment with vomiting of a thin, yellowish matter, extremely 
offensive ; purging may follow. These ejections cause a great 
depression of the vital powers, almost like cholera. 

In this state of prostration, the patient falls into a stupor, 
from which he wakes only to go into a delirium ; the pulse 
ranging from 100 to 120 in adults, from 140 to 160 in young 
children. 

The fetid breath is a constant symptom of an alarming 
case. 

The sudden prostration, the characteristic membrane, and 

20 



306 DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

the peculiar odor of the breath, will distinguish diphtheria 
from a common sore-throat, from scarlet-fever, from quinsy, 
and from the so-called ulcerated sore-throat. 

Again, the general prevalence of the disease should be 
taken as prima facie evidence of its presence in any 
special case. 

TREATMENT. 

Kali-Bichroniicuni and Mercurius Hydriodicum have been 
found the most successful remedies in the treatment of diph- 
theria. 

Kali-bichr. of the 1st decimal trituration, two grains, 
dissolved in sixteen teaspoonfuls of water, one teaspoonful 
to be given. One hour or two after, one grain of Mercurius 
hydr., of the 1st decimal trituration, should be given, dry, 
upon the tongue. These two remedies should be continued 
in alternation for at least twelve hours. As the disease 
abates, the interval between the remedies should be length- 
ened. 

In adults a gargle of Kali-Bichr., 1st trituration, four 
grains to a tumblerful of water, is made, which may be 
used to gargle the throat three or four times a day, without 
discontinuing the use of Kali internally. 

Prof. Herring of Philadelphia states his experience as 
follows : " I first give Belladonna, then probably Bryonia, or 
Antiinonium Crudum, if the case is of an epidemic character. 
After Belladonna, I give Lachesis, if there is great sensibility 
to the touch on the throat." He uses those remedies at the 
200th dilution and above, and has met with remarkable 
success. 

While the author has more confidence in the low tritura- 
tions of Kali-Bichromicum and Mercurius Hydriodicum, he 
would not prevail upon the reader to disregard the treatment 
and well-assured success of the learned professor. 



ASTHMA. — SPASMS. — CRO WING. 307 

DIET AND REGIMEN. 

The experience of the majority of practitioners, as well as 
that of the author, recommends a diet that will sustain the 
vital forces. E-ich broths, wine- whey, milk-punch, brandy 
and water, claret, should be administered in proportion to 
the failing strength of the patient. 

In adults, the swallowing of pulverized ice is generally 
very beneficial. 

The nourishing diet should be adopted from the very be- 
ginning. 

The complications of diphtheria, and its many phases, for- 
bid our going further into the treatment of this terrible 
disease, which requires the immediate attention of the 
physician. 

Sequelae. Paralysis is often a follower of diphtheria : it is 
slow in its march, but fatal in its effect. 

Propagation of Diphtheria. This disease is eminently in- 
fectious ; a whole family of children is often stricken down 
with the disease ; one is hardly out of danger, when another 
is attacked. 

As soon as diphtheria makes its appearance, all the 
children not infected should be taken away from the locality. 



ASTHMA OF CHILDREN. — SPASMS OF THE GLOTTIS. 
LARYNGISMUS STRIDULUS. — CROWING DISEASE. 

Under these several names is known the alarming disease 
that throws a child from perfect health into the greatest 
struggle for life. 

The child wakes at night with a shrill sound, like the in- 
spiration of croup or whooping-cough. The attacks come on 
at longer or lesser intervals, and they are of a spasmodic 



308 DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

character. The child seems to be suffocating, and struggles 
to draw a breath, in the efforts of which he makes a sound 
that is styled " crowing." The throat is temporarily closed 
by a spasm of the glottis ; and the child gets blue in the face, 
stares with its eyes, throws its head backward, and often 
goes into a general convulsion, from which he comes out re- 
lieved of the spasm. A fit of coughing or crying often puts 
an end to the spasm, when the child looks frightened, but; 
comfortable. 

TREATMENT AND REGIMEN. 

Immerse the child immediately in a warm bath, and keep 
a cloth steeped in warm water around the throat. 

The distinguishing characteristics of these spasms from 
croup or whooping-cough are, that, during the paroxysm, 
the child's fingers, thumbs, wrists, ankles, and toes contract. 

As soon as possible, give a drop of the tincture of Ipecac 
in warm water ; continue the Ipecac every fifteen or twenty 
minutes for an hour. If not relieved, then give Sainimcus 
in the same manner as Ipecac. 

Keep the child quiet ; give only gruels, if it is not at the 
breast. 



WHOOPING-COUGH. 

This cough is so common, that every child, in the course 
of his early youth, seems destined to become a temporary 
prey to it. It attacks but once during life, with rare excep- 
tions ; and those who escape in childhood are apt to become 
affected by it, if exposed, later in life. 

Authors divide the course of this cough into three stages ; 
viz., — 

First Stage. The child is attacked by a common cold : he 
sneezes ; water runs out of his eyes and nose, and he com- 



WHOOPING-COUGH. 309 

inences to cough a common cough. He may be feverish in 
the beginning ; but the fever soon passes away. This stage 
may last from one to twelve and fifteen days. The child 
seems better, yet the cough remains. 

Second Stage. At this juncture, the parents are startled 
by the well-known " whoop/ 7 which the child produces in a 
fit of coughing. All doubts are removed now. From that 
moment, the child is taken with fits of coughing that almost 
strangle him. The child becomes acquainted with the sen- 
sation in the throat, that denotes the approach of the 
dreaded paroxysm: he instinctively runs to his nurse, 
grasps her arms, her dress, or a chair, or any thing that is 
near, that will give him support. During the paroxysm, 
in which he struggles to get air in his lungs, he makes the 
sound which is called the " whoop." 

This sound perhaps remits, but is soon heard again ; the 
child looks as if he were suffocating, turns black in the 
face, and often passes urine during the paroxysm. After 
a few seconds of these convulsive inspirations and expira- 
tions, the child vomits a copious expectoration, which is 
often mixed with the contents of the stomach. If the fit 
be violent, the fluid rushes not only out of his mouth, but 
his nose, and is sometimes mixed with blood. In very vio- 
lent cases, blood bursts forth from the mouth, nostrils, eyes, 
and ears. 

When the fit has subsided, the eyes, which seem to have 
started from their sockets during the paroxysm, become na- 
tural, and suffused with tears. In a few minutes, the child 
forgets his troubles, and becomes playful again. This stage 
reaches its acme in two or three weeks, when convalescence 
begins. 

Third Stage. The stage of convalescence has set in. The 
paroxysms come further and further apart, and with less vio- 



310 DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

lence. This stage may last two weeks and even months. 
As soon as the child takes cold, he is reminded that the 
cough has not altogether deserted him. 

Complications may arise in this cough to render it very 
perilous to life. It may settle into a bronchitis, or inflam- 
mation of the stomach and bowels: any complication is 
always of a serious nature. 

It is an infecting disease, and is apt to come in a form of 
epidemic. It often follows measles and small-pox. 

It may occur in a child as early as the sixth month after 
its birth. The younger the infant, the more dangerous the 
disease. 

The whooping-cough develops itself within ten or twelve 
days after an exposure to it. 

Many authors state that vaccination during the presence 
of whooping-cough has the effect of mitigating the case. 

TREATMENT. 

It is an indisputable fact, that the homoeopathic treatment 
shortens the course of this disease, and renders it milder. 
Dr. Teste's treatment I have found very efficient. He says, 
u From the moment that the coughing-fits have assumed the 
convulsive form, and even before that time, that is to say, 
during the catarrhal period, — as soon, in a word, as one is 
sure to have to deal with whooping-cough, instead of simple 
bronchitis, — we should immediately prescribe Coralia Rubra 
of the 30th dilution, for three or four days in succession, 
four doses in twenty four hours. As soon as the ameliora- 
tion produced by Coralia ceases, that is to say, at the end 
of four or five days at the most, it should be discontinued, 
and Chelidoniuni Majus administered, of the 6th dilution, 
three doses in twenty four hours, and continued until there 
is a renewal of the violent spasmodic coughing-fit ; when 
Coralia should be resumed, until they are again conquered ) 
when a return should be made to Chelidonium." 



WHOOPING-COUGH. 311 

During the first stage, Aconite should be given for the 
feverish condition and the dry cough. This may be followed 
by Tartar Emetic, if the cough is loose, and rattling in the 
chest is heard. 

Ipecac, if the cough is paroxysmal, giving rise to a great 
deal of mucus and vomiting. 

Phosphorus should be given, if the lungs seem invaded ; 
if debility, oppression of breathing, thirst, or diarrhoea, are 
present. 

In the second stage. Drosera ; the child whoops, the par- 
oxysms are violent, the child vomits the ingesta during every 
paroxysm. If Drosera does not lessen the violence of the 
paroxysms, Trifolium Inftena should be tried. This remedy 
is well recommended by Dr. Hale. 

Cuprum. If the paroxysms appear very often during 
twenty-four hours, rendering the little patient rigid and un- 
conscious, and if accompanied by drowsiness and rattling of 
mucus in the chest between the paroxysms, Tartar Emetic 
should be given in alternation with it. Cuprum is particu- 
larly indicated, when convulsions appear instead of the 
cough, and cease when the paroxysm returns. — Pulte. 

In violent attacks^ Drs. Marcy and Hunt regard the use 
of Coffee as very useful in mitigating the paroxysms. They 
recommend one teaspoonful for a child two years old, if pos- 
sible immediately before the paroxysm. 

Other remedies, such as Mephitis Putorius, Allium Sa- 
tiva, Senega, Yeratrum, &c, are useful in some features of 
the disease, which we could not describe in this work. 

Of late, it has become the fashion to send children affected 
with the whooping-cough to the gas-house. Many have 



312 DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

thus been relieved. Whether the letting-out of gas in the 
room would produce similar beneficial effects, we cannot say, 
as we have not had the opportunity of experimenting. 

Children with whooping-cough, unaccompanied by com- 
plications, should be sent out every day, to get fresh air and 
exercise. 

Sulphur is recommended as a preventive, or as mitigator 
of whooping-cough, during an epidemic. A few globules 
may be given twice a day with that view. 



INFLUENZA. 

Common cold in the head is as common in children as in 
adults. The symptoms are, stoppage of the nose, running 
of mucus or acrid water from the nose; the eyes water, 
and are inflamed and painful ; the chest is oppressed, and 
cough is present. 

This cold is often ushered in by fever, pain in the head, 
in the chest, body, or limbs. 

TREATMENT. 

Arsenicum seems a specific in a cold where an acrid, 
watery mucus runs from the nose, the eyes water, and 
there is a severe frontal headache. High dilution better 
than low. 

If Arsenicum does not relieve in twenty-four hours, 
Camphor should be given, and even smelt. Five drops of 
Camphor to a tumbler half-full of water ; one teaspoonful 
every hour, until relieved. 

Mercurius will be found useful when the discharge from 
the nose is thick and puriform, the eyes are red, the cough 
is loose, and diarrhoea is present. 



INFL UENZA. — CO UGH. 313 

Bryonia and Aconite, alternately, when the patient is fever- 
ish, has fits of coughing, and pains about the chest. 

Belladonna and Aconite, alternately, when there is fever, 
headache, fulness of the head, throbbing arteries, conges- 
tion of the eyes, and dry cough. 

Stibium (Tartar-Emetic), if the cold falls on the chest, 
causing great oppression, prostration, and a loose cough. 
This may be alternated with Phosphorus. 



COUGH- 

IN GENERAL. 

Although cough is almost always symptomatic of other 
diseases, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, &c, yet it often 
occurs unconnected with any specific diseases, — a simple 
cough from a cold, or from sympathy, as from derangement 
of the stomach, teething, or from the presence of worms, &c. 
To relieve these coughs, I will give a few remedies with 
their specific symptoms. In selecting the remedy, care 
should be taken that its symptoms not only agree with 
those of the disease, but that it covers the largest num- 
ber. 

Aconite. Burning, feverish heat ; full pulse ; hoarse, 
rough voice ; short, dry cough, with constant incitement to 
cough ; shootings in the chest when coughing ; also when 
the cough is convulsive, with scanty expectorations of whit- 
ish or blood-streaked mucus. 

Belladonna. Dry coughs with sore throat ; hot skin ; 
fulness of the head ; spasmodic cough ; fatiguing, shaking 
cough, occurring at night or on going to bed. 



314 DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

Bryonia. After a fresh cold, dry cough excited by a tick- 
ling in the throat, spasmodic, suffocating cough, especially 
after midnight, or after eating or drinking, with vomiting 
of food ; shootings in the side ; pains in the chest or head ; 
great tendency to perspire ; hoarseness. 

Nux Vomica. Hoarse, dry, and hollow cough, excited by 
dryness of the throat ; hoarseness and pain in the throat, 
especially in the morning ; accumulation of tenacious mu- 
cus in the throat ; splitting headache ; pains in the right 
side ; constipation ; bad digestion / pain in the stomach 
after eating; flatulency. 

Pulsatilla. Hoarseness ; loss of voice ; discharge of yellow- 
ish-greenish matter from the nose ; cough at first dry, then 
loose ; shaking cough, which occurs chiefly in the evening, 
or at night in bed, aggravated when lying down ; bad taste 
in the mouth. Particularly for persons of lymphatic tem- 
perament, blue eye£, blonde hair. 

Ipecac. Especially in children in whom cough is accom- 
panied by great accumulation of mucus in the bronchia ; 
great rattling in the chest ; spasmodic, suffocating cough ; 
nausea and vomiting. 

Lachesis. Catarrhal cough with constant hoarseness ; a 
sensation of mucus adhering to the throat, which causes 
tickling ; cough, especially at night when sleeping, invaria- 
bly after sleeping, and excited by the slightest pressure on 
the gullet ; aggravation of the cough after a meal, and also 
on rising erect from a horizontal posture ; pains in the 
throat, eyes, ears, and head when coughing. 

Phosphorus. Hoarseness, with cough ; fever ; dry cough ; 
deep cough ; oppression of the chest ; symptoms of pneu- 
monia. 



COUGH. 315 

Spongia. Croup ; hoarse, hollow, ringing, and squeaking 
cough ; slow, noisy, wheezing respiration, which resembles 
the sound of a saw ; fits of choking, with inability to 
breathe. 

Hepar Sulphur is preferable, when, under the action of 
Spongia, the cough has become more easy. Cough loose ; 
mucus rattling the chest ; cough of consumptives ; chronic, 
loose cough. 

Arsenicum. Loose cough, with difficult expectoration, 
and tenacious mucus in the larynx and bronchia ; or else 
dry, shaking, and fatiguing cough, especially in the even- 
ing, after lying down ; renewed after drinking cold water, 
and also when in the fresh air ; great lassitude and weak- 
ness / hoarseness and coryza, with discharge of corrosive 
mucus from the nose. 

Drosera. Whooping-cough; excessive hoarseness; dry, 
spasmodic, fatiguing, and shaking cough, which occurs 
chiefly at night ; retching, and vomiting of food from an 
attack of cough ; bleeding from the nose and mouth during 
the fit. 

Hyoscyamus. Cough at night, especially in a recumbent 
position; the cough does not let one sleep; spasmodic 
cough ; sleeplessness from coughing. 

Sulphur. Dry cough, very fatiguing ; constant hacking 
cough ; hectic fever ; pain in the lungs ; chronic cough, 
excited by dampness and cold weather; loose, purulent 
cough ; obstinate cough, particularly in scrofulous subjects 
addicted to eruptions of the skin. 

Cina, especially in children apparently affected by worms ; 



316 DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

cough dry; unceasing fits of coughing before breakfast; 
cough better after eating. 

Tartar Emetic. Loose cough, with fever — the effect of 
a recent cold settled on the lungs ; cough often, with pain 
and oppression of the lungs ; mucus rattles in the bronchial 
tubes ; difficulty of breathing ; congestion of the lungs ; 
vomiting; diarrhoea. 

There are many other remedies useful in the treatment 
of coughs ; but, if the reader cannot cure a cough with the 
above remedies, application should be made to a physician, 
instead of losing time in experiments. 

For cough in specific diseases, see " Bronchitis," " Pneu- 
monia," "Croup," "Whooping," "Asthma" of children, 
" Influenza," &c. 



PART Y. 



MORAL AND PHYSICAL TRAINING 
OF THE YOUNG. 



" Mens sana in corpore sano." 



317 



THE MIND AND THE BODY. 



Philosophers and physiologists have discussed at 
length the relation of the mind to the body. We shall 
not follow them in their subtle reasonings. We have evi- 
dence enough for our purpose, to admit, that the body and 
the mind grow apace, and decay almost in the same ratio ; 
that affections of the body redact upon the mind, and affec- 
tions of the mind re-act upon the body. There are excep- 
tions to this rule; but, as we speak of general training, 
the exceptions must be overlooked, and the general law of 
health carefully studied. 

The brain, the seat of our intellectual faculties, is as 
material as a leg or an arm, and is subject to the same 
laws for its preservation and destruction. When the mat- 
ter composing the brain becomes affected by morbific causes, 
the equilibrium of the mind becomes disturbed, and reason 
put at variance with the mental conceptions of right or 
wrong of people in a state of healthy organization. 
Hence, the old proverb, Mens sana in corpore sano, "A 
sound mind in a sound body." 

The brain, having a physical organization, must depend 
on physical laws. The mind, however, which is the spirit- 
ual manifestation of the functions of the brain, depends 
upon physical laws only so far as it relates to matter, the 
brain. But the mind has properties of her own, which 
must depend upon moral forces for nutrition. Intuition 
and reason are the fundamental properties of our intellect. 

319 



320 THE MIND AND THE BODY. 

The first is innate, and has an original power of its own ; 
the second becomes efficient by being susceptible of a fine 
and high development by means of imitation and compari- 
son. These properties of the mind vary in different indi- 
viduals. The innate property, when possessed in a very 
high degree ; will produce a genius, even in the midst of the 
most passive ignorance. Reason is moulded by the moral 
food it receives from its surroundings, and is therefore more 
susceptible of cultivation. For the former, we can only 
thank our great and wise Creator ; for the latter, the old 
are responsible to the young, in the manner of leading them 
to a system of distinguishing right from wrong. It is to 
this point that I call the attention of parents. This moral 
training devolves upon them : they are responsible for it. 

Talis pater, talis jilius, " As is the father, so is the 
son," is another old maxim, based on observations which have 
been made from time immemorial. This may be taken as 
a truism, proving the inheritance of moral tendencies as of 
physical perfections or imperfections, and is an argument 
adopted by such parents as like to shift their responsibility. 
But while inherited physical lines cannot be changed by a 
separation of father from son, moral traits can ; and this 
fact is often exhibited in those, who, having left their pater- 
nal roof before their mind was fully developed, have returned 
so changed as to seem strangers in the midst of their own 
family. 

It is indisputable, therefore, that the mind, although a 
spiritual essence, is subject to growth, development, and 
training ; in other words, to education. 

We do not intend, by this, to deny that there are mani- 
festations of the mind whose origin can be traced to the 
parent. We know too well, that the transmission of 
organic moral and mental traits are possible : we too often 
recognize congenital tendencies to disease of body, and de- 
terioration of mind. But this is the inevitable, concerning 



REASON. 321 

which we have nothing to say now. We are treating of 
those qualities that take their course from education. 

A husbandman may plant a tree perfect in symmetry 
and in health. When once that tree is planted, it becomes 
subject to the vicissitudes of climates, to the shock of 
storms and tempests. If it is allowed to grow without pro- 
tection, its beautiful symmetry will soon be lost, its straight 
stock become crooked, its smooth surface knotty and 
rugged. So it is with children. A child born of healthy 
parents will be healthy in its physical and mental tenden- 
cies. But, as soon as born, it becomes exposed to impres- 
sions, which will affect its proper growth and development. 
It matters not how young the child is. As its body is lia- 
ble to affections engendered by contact, infections, errors 
of diet, or atmospheric changes ; so its mind is affected by 
conceptions induced by external impressions. Thus the 
child grows in this atmosphere of moral impressions. Its 
purity and integrity can only be maintained by surrounding 
it with purity and integrity. A careful parent, watchful 
of the manifestations of his child's mind, can timely repair 
many a shock that it has received from dangerous impres- 
sions, and correct many wrong natural tendencies. 

Reason, which is distinguished from other faculties of 
the mind by its relating always to knowledge, is the power 
that conceives ideas of right and wrong, true and false, by 
comparison. Reason, therefore, is the generative power of 
thought, the judge of fitness of ideas, and, consequently, 
the motive power and regulator of our action. 

When the process of reasoning is complete, it manifests 
itself in action. Action has immediate effect upon our- 
selves and our neighbor. The action will then affect our 
moral and physical welfare, and our neighbor in his rights 
and privileges. 

Having thus, in a few words, examined the relation of 
the mind to the body, and suggested the progressive exten- 

21 



322 THE MIND AND THE BODY. 

sion of its effects upon the rights of our fellow-men, let us 
consider the relation of its growth with that of other organs 
of the body, and its gradual development. 

The term of life, although uninterrupted in its moral and 
physical growth and decay, has been divided into four 
stages : — 

Infancy, Adolescence, Virility, Dementia. 

This division is not a mere speculation of metaphysicians : 
it exists in Nature, although the lines of demarcation are not 
so bold or sudden as to be immediately appreciable to the 
eye or to the mind. 

Infancy, or childhood, is a period almost totally vegeta- 
tive : it is a period of the development of the organs before 
the mind is sufficiently developed to completely exercise its 
influence over them, — before they are fit for action. This 
period will embrace the twelve or fourteen first years of our 
life. 

Adolescence is the progression of the former period. The 
term comes from the Latin adolescere, "to grow," "to 
become strong." It denotes that period of human life 
between the first signs of puberty, and the time when the 
body ceases to grow, and has acquired all its physical perfec- 
tion. This period commences at eleven or twelve years of 
age with woman, and at fourteen and fifteen with man ; 
ending with the former at twenty-one, with the latter at 
twenty-five, years of age, or thereabout. 

The changes that the organism undergoes at this epoch 
of life are very remarkable in both sexes. In the man, the 
organs of generation, until then passive and stationary, be- 
gin to develop, and prepare themselves to fulfil those func- 
tions, so important to the human species, of reproduction. 
The capacity of the chest becomes greater ; the voice becomes 
stronger, and more sonorous ; the beard commences to grow ; 
the muscles acquire shape and strength ; the bones become 



PERIODS OF LIFE. 323 

firmer; and the figure gains a decided height. All the or- 
gans hecome perfect. From this exuberance of life ; which 
is not always exempt from casualties; — from this increase of 
energy in all the organs, — come those impetuous movements, 
those fiery passions, those generous impulses, which charac- 
terize the young man. Soon he dreams but of love, of devo- 
tion, of combats,' of active exertion and successful efficiency; 
he desires glory ; and, in his exuberance of life, he becomes 
the ardent lover, the intrepid warrior, the eager student, 
the generous friend. 

In the woman, these physical and moral changes are not 
less remarkable. The organ of her especial function, the 
womb, which so far has given no sign of existence, comes 
out of its state of inertia; the menses appear, to return 
periodically every month ; the breasts, whose functional ex- 
istence is so intimately connected with the womb, commence 
to develop ; every organ perfects itself in preparation for the 
process of conception. The body of the woman, however, 
retains a part of that infantile delicacy of texture, of that 
suppleness, of that grace of movement, which make such a 
contrast with the striking vigor, the activity, the impetuosity, 
that distinguish the same stage in man. 

It is at this epoch, so fitly called the " flower of youth/' 
that- the two sexes feel that irresistible attraction to one an- 
other, that desire to approach each other, which, without 
doubt, is the source of the sweetest enjoyment, but which 
also often leads into acts that Nature reproves, in those ex- 
cesses so fatal to the health of our youth. 

Virility (" manhood ") is the period that commences from 
adolescence, and ends with old age. In the age of manhood, 
the body has acquired all its proportions and all its strength. 
The life becomes more equal and uniform ; the ideas, which 
have followed in the ratio of physical development, now be- 
come more profound and fixed ; the movements of the body 
are consonant with the dignity of the mind. The time of 



324 HYGIENE OF CHILDHOOD. 

brilliant illusions has passed: imagination gives place to 
judgment, frivolity to circumspection, heat of passion to cold 
reasoning, vivacity to reflection, impulsive generosity to 
prudence and calculation and finally to ambition. 

Dementia is the period when the body and mind decay. 
It is less distinct, as it varies in different people, according 
to the preservation of their health ; and oftentimes we see 
an active mind in a decayed body. Yet it is a period that 
must come sooner or later to both mind and body. 

Of these stages we will give our attention to the first 
two, as the latter two are beyond training or parental 
prerogative. 



HYGIENE OF CHILDHOOD. 

The word "hygiene" is used here to express the system 
that should be followed in directing the children's mind, and 
to give them a healthy and robust constitution, without 
which, when they arrive at the age of manhood, they could 
not fulfil the duties which Nature has assigned to them 
among their fellow-men, in the society of whom they must 
revolve. 

The most dangerous conception in the training of children 
is one that unfortunately prevails even among the educated 
classes ; and that is, that the moral education can be abso- 
lutely isolated from the physical. These two conditions, the 
moral and the physical, are dependent upon, and in close re- 
lation to, each other. Man cannot possess a faculty that 
does not find its outward expression through an organ. 
How can it be expected, then, to attain the perfection of the 
former, without assisting in the development of the organ 
without which it could not practically exist ? The educa- 



A PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION. 325 

tion of a child consists, therefore, in faithfully following the 
laws of Nature. 

Education should be slow and progressive : it ought to be 
applied as each organ becomes developed. The idea of for- 
cing children beyond their mental or physical capacity 
demonstrates the grossest ignorance of the laws of Na- 
ture ; and the result of such process will be the reverse of 
what is intended to attain, — a dwarfish body, a puny mind. 

A system of education which would develop a healthy 
state of mind and body should allow the organs time to 
form themselves before exercising them, and would from the 
first direct or regulate their action. It is necessary, there- 
fore, to follow the order in which they become successively 
developed ; which development may vary in different subjects. 
Consequently, the first object of the mother should be to 
nourish her child well; then to regulate its impressions 
from external bodies or things, and to favor the development 
of the faculty of each organ ; lastly, she should give her spe- 
cial care to the mind, the faculties of which manifest them- 
selves according to the development of the organs. 

A child thus raised may not be an angelic seraph, which 
foolish women dream of. It will be a lively, turbulent, and 
probably somewhat opinionated child ; but the excellence 
of its constitution, the equilibrium of the faculties so per- 
fected, will denote a degree of vigor and health bespeaking 
a happy future for it. The development of its mind will be 
marked by the facility with which it will learn ; its moral 
strength by its assurance and self-dependence, and by a cer- 
tain dignified freedom of thought and action. It is not 
enough, therefore, that a mother should nurse her infant : 
she should attend to its development herself, instead of 
trusting it to mercenaries, whose minds are so narrow that 
they seem often to outrage common sense and reason. 
The parents should watch the child with solicitude, particu- 
larly at that period when many dangerous vices are prac- 



326 HYGIENE OF CHILDHOOD, 

tised ; and, when the child is older, they should surround it 
with that wholesome example of probity and virtue which 
is the best lesson that can be given. 

The parents should never forget that the child sees, hears, 
and learns, and that before it, at least, there should never 
be made exhibitions of ill-temper, anger, or violence. They 
should refrain from vulgarity, and from habits that could 
not be tolerated in good society. The fact that the father is 
master of his own house is no reason why he should contami- 
nate his children with the worst passions of his nature or of 
his education. If he has not respect for himself, he should, 
at least, desire that his children might be respected by their 
fellow-men. It is during this tender age that impressions 
are received which a life-time is not sufficient to destroy. 

From the conduct of the children, one can generally make 
an estimate of the moral qualities of the parents. If a child 
swears, I know either that its father is given to profanity, 
or that he does not love it sufficiently to shield it from asso- 
ciations where profanity, immorality, and ill manners 
abound. 

People talk of children's perversity. As for myself, I do 
not believe in natural depravity. God is too merciful and 
too wise to create man depraved, that man may make him- 
self upright and perfect. This would make man greater 
than God. The only instincts I can trace in human nature 
are common to all animals, those of self-preservation and 
self-gratification. The child of the desert knows no other 
law. He would pick from the earth, bring down from the 
air, any thing that this instinct would suggest as useful to 
himself. When men came together in multitudes and 
formed society, it became necessaiy to make such mutual 
agreements as would define their duties towards one another, 
for the preservation of order, in combined action. Society, 
as it grew in magnitude, improved these agreements, and 
progressively enacted still more stringent and binding 



MODIFICATION OF NATURAL INSTINCTS. 327 

measures ; that would secure trie rights of one and the rights 
of all, until they reached that high degree of civilization 
that now governs the best part of the world. The negative, 
" Do not unto others what you would not have done unto 
yourself," has become the highest law of civilization, while 
its positive complement has become the ideal commandment 
of Christianity. 

The taking of other people's property is called a theft ; 
yet if an uncivilized being, one who grew in the solitude of 
the forest or the prairie, should suddenly be transported 
into our streets, and, at a moment when his appetite de- 
manded food, should find himself before a baker's shop, with 
tempting loaves in his show-window, would you condemn 
him for theft if he rudely broke the glass, appropriated one 
of the loaves, and sat himself down to devour it with gusto ? 

Yet our children have to live in the society of their fellow- 
men ; and, in order to become worthy members of it, they 
should be made acquainted with the laws that have modified 
that crude intuition of self-preservation and self-gratifica- 
tion. But how ? By education. The moral training of 
the parents is the loving and artistic hand that is to teach 
the discrimination of fine shades of right and wrong, the 
appreciation of that chiaro-scuro which will tone down the 
bold lines of their conceptions, that will make each feature, 
although distinct in itself, blend in perfect harmony with 
the others, so as to make the whole a thing to admire, a 
thing to love. 

Let no parent delude himself, or attempt to screen his 
deficiency, by putting forth the false argument of the child's 
perversity, or natural depravity. 

"Here in the family, at home, if anywhere, we are to 
look for that moral training which is to fit our youth for the 
active pursuits of life, and prepare them to meet its seduc- 
tions and its duties. Here, if anywhere, they are to acquire 
the power of governing passion and resisting the impulses 



328 HYGIENE OF CHILDHOOD, 

of the lower appetites ; of discerning the nicer shades of 
right and wrong ; of sacrificing self to the call of benevo- 
lence or duty, and, amid trial and change, steadily keeping 
in view the great ends and purposes of life/' — Ray's Men- 
tal Hygiene. 

A study of the child's nature and temperament is neces- 
sary to understand its wants. A judicious, loving, and per- 
suasive system will smooth many of the rude lines of his 
nature. Do not batter him down with imperiousness and 
coercion, as if he ought to know as much as yourself, but try 
to elevate him by instructing and developing his moral 
sense. Raise him to a higher estimation of himself by be- 
lieving in his honesty of purpose, by lifting him to a higher 
sense of dignity. 

An innocent child cannot steal. If he takes what is not 
his own, it is because his wants have not been understood, 
and because he has been denied that which would gratify 
him, or else because he has learned, that, if he takes secretly, 
he will not incur the displeasure or the punishment of his 
parents. 

Self-gratification, we have said, is an instinct of animal 
nature ; therefore the child who is yet an animal is a 
gourmand. While his mouth has tasted what is good, 
his reason is not sufficiently developed or educated to under- 
stand what is not good for him. He has not yet learned 
that to eat at regular hours is conducive to his well-being : 
he tasted the apple, and the apple was sweet ; all your tem- 
per and anger will not prove to the child that an apple was 
not good for him. 

You say the child is a natural thief ? How is it that the 
child would not steal a diamond, but would steal an apple ? 
The education which will eventually teach him that the 
value of the diamond is above that of the apple will also 
teach him that his appetite can be satisfied by making a 
demand upon his parents at the proper time, and that to 



SYMPATHY WITH CHILDREN. 329 

eat every hour of the day, however good to his sense of taste, 
is not conducive to his health. Be watchful, and, if it is 
impossible to keep the child from associations that will 
teach him to deceive, act so with him that deception is 
unnecessary. Above all, do not accuse him of deceiving, 
lying, or stealing ; for those opprobrious names will suggest 
to him acts that are possible and within his scope. A great 
deal of judgment is requisite here. If a child has surrep- 
titiously taken an apple, let him understand that he can 
take one with your knowledge ; if he lies, prove to him that 
the truth would have done him less harm than the lie ; that 
there was no necessity of secrecy or deception, as his parents 
would have been glad to gratify him. In fact, bring him 
near to you ; let him know that lie can share with you, 
that you will share with him. Bring yourself down to his 
level ; and he will find in you his friend, the sympathizer in 
his pleasures, the generous supplier of his wants. Let him 
feel that he can come to you with his little trifles, that he 
can find in you the soother of his sorrows ; thus, with that 
gentleness that a loving heart is capable of, you will be able 
to lead him from the stray path into the straight road of 
morality and integrity. 

" Those who will join with children, and help them in 
their sports, will learn by this mode to understand the feel- 
ings and interests of childhood, while, at the same time, 
they secure a degree of confidence and affection which can- 
not be gained so easily in any other way. And it is to be 
regretted that parents so often relinquish this most power- 
ful mode of influence to domestics and playmates, who often 
use it in the most pernicious manner. In joining in such 
sports, older persons should never yield entirely the atti- 
tude of superiors, nor allow disrespectful manners or address. 
And respectful deportment is never more cheerfully accorded 
than in seasons when young hearts are pleased and made 
grateful by having their tastes and enjoyments so efficiently 



330 HYGIENE OF CHILDHOOD. 

promoted." — Miss JBeecher, in " The American Woman's 
Home" 

A child lies : why does lie lie ? Because he is afraid to 
tell the truth. Why is he afraid to tell the truth ? Be- 
cause he has been rebuked or punished for doing what 
would gratify him. 

A child finds a gratification in going in company with 
other children : the parents fear those associations, and 
forbid the child to go. This command does not quench his 
desire for the company of his equals : he will fear to go 
after your command, but he will wish to go all the same. 
His instinct of self-gratification is still stronger than his 
sense of duty : therefore he will go surreptitiously, thus 
practising an act of deception which will afterwards induce 
him to lie for fear of rebuke. What is the parent's duty, 
then ? To go with the child, of course, so as to have the 
opportunity of examining the character of the company his 
child goes in, and to gratify him by providing pleasurable 
companionship of the right kind. Thus, while it would be 
impossible to convince the child that the company of chil- 
dren is not gratifying to him, he can be taught that the 
company of certain children is not good for him, while that 
of others is not only good for him, but would meet with the 
full approbation of the parents. Thus the child is taught 
to discriminate, which mental process will lead him to the 
selection of proper associates. 

It is often said, " Father and daughter, mother and son." 
Wherefore this saying ? It is because it has generally 
been observed that the daughter will go to the father, the 
son to the mother, for indulgence. Why this preference ? 
Is it because there is more affinity between opposite sexes ? 
Not necessarily. But, whatever the inward cause, the im- 
mediate reason is, that the father has more sympathy for 
the daughter, the mother for the son. Whatever may be 
the reason, a cause exists j and it goes to prove that the 



SPECIAL HINTS. 331 

parents get the confidence of the child they have sympathy 
with. Take a look at schools, for another example, and you 
will discover the intuitive like and dislike children take to 
their teachers. While a child is perfectly amenable under 
the tuition of one teacher, he is perfectly intractable un- 
der the tuition of another. Some teachers are even detested 
by the whole school, while others are as much beloved. The 
fault lies with the teacher : he has no sympathy with some 
or with all children in general. Such men or women are 
not fit to be teachers, however learned they may be. Is 
there any one, however old, who, recurring to early days, 
does not think with pleasure and affection of some teacher, 
and with aversion of some other ? Sympathy on the part 
of the parent will be an irresistible charm to the child. 

Some parents, however, fail on the other side. They are 
apt, for instance, to take a child's tricks as a demonstration 
of smartness, and be pleased or amused with them. This 
practice is dangerous in the extreme ; for it will lead into 
an indulgence, the result of which, later, may be beyond 
their control. It is most interesting to watch the gradual 
development of a child's mind ; we are charmed by all the 
actions that manifest a reasoning power : but do not nurse 
vitiated thoughts with your approval, lest they remain im- 
pure forever. 

Induce your child to practise generosity, humanity, and 
good manners. Let him divide his crumb of bread with 
the beggar or his play-fellows, lest he become a miser. Let 
him not assume an air of superiority to his inferiors, lest he 
become imperious ; teach him to be gentle with his equals, 
lest he become arrogant ; teach him to be tender to the 
mute animals ; lest he become cruel ; teach him deference 
to the old, lest he become contemptible 5 teach him to love 
his neighbor as himself, that he may be just ; and, above 
all, teach him not to fear but to love his God, that he may 
be happy. 



332 HYGIENE OF CHILDHOOD. 

I cannot close this earnest exhortation to parents, better 
than by quoting the following passage from " The American 
Woman's Home," a most admirable guide to the science 
and the art of happy domestic life. The passage is from 
the pen of Miss Catharine E. Beecher. 

" Children can be very early taught that their happiness, 
both now and hereafter, depends on the formation of habits 
of submission, self-denial, and benevolence ; . and all the dis- 
cipline of the nursery can be conducted by parents, not only 
with this general aim in their own minds, but also with the 
same object daily set before the minds of the children. 
Whenever their wishes are crossed, or their will subdued, 
they can be taught that all this is done, not merely to 
please the parent, or to secure some good to themselves or 
to others, but as a part of that merciful training which is 
designed to form such a character, and such habits, that 
they can hereafter find their chief happiness in giving up 
their will to God, and in living to do good to others, instead 
of living merely to please themselves. 

" In forming the moral habits of children, it is wise to 
take into account the peculiar temptations to which they 
are to be exposed. The people of this nation are eminently 
a trafficking people ; and the present standard of honesty, 
as to trade and debts, is very low, and every year seems 
sinking still lower. It is, therefore, pre-emineutly impor- 
tant that children should be trained to strict honesty, both 
in word and deed. It is not merely teaching children to 
avoid absolute lying, which is needed : all kinds of deceit 
should be guarded against, and all kinds of little dishonest 
practices be strenuously opposed. A child should be brought 
up with the determined principle, never to run in debt, but 
to be content to live in a humble way, in order to secure 
that true independence which should be the noblest distinc- 
tion of an American citizen." 



PHYSICAL TRAINING. 



CLEANLINESS. 

The skin is more active in the child than in the adult : 
hence it requires greater attention. The sympathetic rela- 
tion of the skin, and, indeed, of all the mucous membranes, 
with the brain is very intimate. Under the proper para- 
graph, the manner in which an infant should be treated 
immediately after birth, has been described. To secure a 
perfect action of the skin, the child should never be exposed 
to extreme heat or cold ; and, if one cannot prevent the 
atmospheric changes, the dress and the temperature of a 
room can be easily adapted for his health and comfort. 
Pure air is the most invigorating element to the skin and 
the lungs : hence a child is better in the country than in a 
city, on high and dry localities than in low and damp places. 
Its room should be moderately cool, rather than warm. 

Frictions and bathing are healthful to the skin at every 
time of life, but particularly during childhood. The skin, 
in order to eliminate its proper fluids, must be free from all 
dirt, which forms a coating sure to prevent the due exhala- 
tions, compelling it to retain them to its great injury. A 
child should become gradually accustomed to cold bathing ; 
and, when old enough, it should be immersed in running 
water. The shock is beneficial, and swimming a most salu- 
tary exercise. Young girls are deterred from the river, and 
from swimming, through imaginary fears or prejudices : it 
is a pity, for that is a practice as healthful to them as to 
the boys. When a safe place is provided, the only care 
that should be taken is that they do not become chilled 

333 



334 PHYSICAL TRAINING. 

while bathing : after the bath, they should be rubbed dry 
with a coarse towel. The length of time that they should 
be allowed to remain in water will depend upon its tem- 
perature and their own power of re-action ; for while one 
child can remain in water half an hour, and still feel warm, 
another can hardly stay ten minutes without becoming 
chilled. A few minutes after the child has come out of the 
water, he should feel a pleasant glow of warmth through 
him ; if not, the bath is injurious to him. 



BATHS. 

Baths may be used for the purification of the skin simply, 
or for therapeutic purposes. They may be classified as cold, 
tepid, and warm baths. 

The cold bath, water at from seventy to eighty degrees 
Fahrenheit, gives, at most seasons of the year, a sensation 
of coldness. Its effects are " primary " and " secondary." 
The first are those which take place at the time of the im- 
mersion ; the second, those that occur later, constituting 
what we understand by the term re-action. 

" The first effect of cold water applied to the body, gen- 
erally, is to abstract a certain amount of heat from the 
surface, to constringe the capillary vessels, and to force the 
blood inward. Now, as the living body possesses the re- 
markable property of maintaining its temperature at very 
nearly the same point, whether it is in a colder or hotter 
medium than itself, the vitals at once set to work in restor- 
ing the caloric abstracted by the contact of the water ; and, 
as the functions of circulation and calorification go necessa- 
rily together, the vital powers, acting through the heart and 
blood-vessels, attempt a return of the blood that has been 
forced inward by the coldness of the water. 

" This is what is called ( re-action. 9 If the individual is 



BATHS. — RULES FOR USING WATER. 335 

sufficiently strong and well stocked with vitality, the Mood 
is quickly returned to the surface and to the extremities, 
constituting what is termed good or vigorous re-action. But 
if the surface and extremities continue to remain unwarmed 
by a slow return of blood to therm as happens in the case 
of feeble persons, there is said to be poor or insufficient 
re-action. 

"The tepid bath, sometimes called ' lukewarm/ ranges 
from eighty to ninety-two degrees Fahrenheit. Its effects 
do not differ much from those of the cold bath, only not so 
lasting and permanent. It is especially useful in the treat- 
ment of infants and children, and in all cases where the 
re-active energy is feeble. If in any case we are in doubt 
whether the cold bath is admissible, the tepid form will be 
a milder measure, and, at the same time, serve as a test in 
venturing upon the cold. The tepid bath may be continued 
longer at a time, which in some cases will be found an 
advantage. 

" The warm bath ranges from ninety-two to ninety-eight 
degrees Fahrenheit. This is used only for therapeutic pur- 
poses." — Joel Shew (Hydropath). 



RULES FOR USING WATER. 

The time of day. After a night's rest, the body has 
regained vigor, the circulation is freer, the re-actionary 
powers are stronger ; consequently, morning is the best time 
for bathing. 

Before or after meals. As digestion requires heat in its 
chemical re-action, and as the nervous system should not be 
disturbed while engaged in assisting the process of diges- 
tion, bathing after meals is injurious. 

Re-action is known by the pleasant glow of warmth that 
is felt through the body after bathing. If the extremities 



336 PHYSICAL TRAINING. 

remain cold, the lips and nails remain blue, the re-action is 
not good, and the bath should be omitted. 

Bathing in the open air is preferable, provided there does 
not exist a too great degree of difference between the tem- 
perature of the water and the atmosphere. 

The head should be sponged before and after the bath. 

After violent exercise, the system being weakened in 
consequence, no bathing should be used until after a suffi- 
cient rest has been had to restore the natural forces. 

When the body is in a high degree of temperature, care 
should be taken not to dip it in a very low degree of water. 
Bathing is useful at all seasons, when the above rules are 
observed. 

AIR AND EXERCISE. 

As soon as children walk, they should be promenaded 
twice a day, except during windy or damp days. It makes 
no difference how cold it is ; clothing and exercise will keep 
them warm, and their cheeks will have that healthy glow 
which is stimulated by fresh air. During hot weather, they 
should be taken out during the cooler hours of morning and 
evening. The length of the promenade should be in pro- 
portion to their strength, never beyond it. During the 
walk, the children should be amused by showing them 
objects of interest : the walk ought to be to them a pleas- 
ure, not a bugbear. After the fourth or fifth year, children 
should be allowed to play such games as are consistent with 
their strength. Girls should not be restrained from joining 
the boys. Such games as would amuse the mind, as well 
as exercise the body, are very healthful, since they maintain 
a proper equilibrium between mind and body. 

Let not a false sense of gentility keep the parent from 
allowing the children of both sexes to enter on the rough- 
and-tumble of their innocent plays. A doctor was called 



AIR AND EXERCISE. 337 

to attend the child of a refined lady. He saw before him a 
pale, sickly little boy, beautifully arrayed in an immaculate 
white dress. " My dear madam/' the doctor bluntly and 
quickly observed, "your child is dying of over-cleanliness." 
Do not suppose that the doctor was in favor of dirt : no, he 
meant that to keep a child so intensely clean, was to de- 
prive it of that healthful exercise and pleasure which chil- 
dren find in playing on the ground. The mother took the 
hint, and sent her child out to play, with fewer injunctions 
to her maid ; and, not long after, she was delighted in see- 
ing that the pallid cheek had acquired a rosy hue. If her 
sense of gentility was shocked, her heart bounded with joy 
to see her child in perfect health. 

Many mothers object to girls romping. Those mothers 
should remember that the health of their girls is as impor- 
tant as the health of their boys, and that it will require no 
less exercise of the body, and pleasure of the mind, to pre- 
serve it. The great Dr. Abernethy, on being consulted 
by a mother in regard to the failing health of her young 
daughter, said, " Don't come to me ; go buy a skipping- 
rope." To this we may add, let her run the hoop, play 
croquet, play horse, battle-door and shuttle-cock. She will 
come in with a rush, her hair dishevelled, throwing it on one 
side with a jerk of the head, like a colt. She may not look 
like a lily peeping out of its leaf, but she will be vigorous, 
healthy, and robust ; and, when older, she will not go to her 
parents with her headaches, backaches, and faintness. Ex- 
cesses should be avoided, and the use of the swing forbid- 
den : swinging determines blood to the head. 

If the children come in too warm, let them not sit down 
in a cold room ; if they come in hungry, do not let them 
eat, except after a little rest, when the circulation is quieted. 
Let them not drink a glass of ice-water while in profuse 
perspiration. Should they come in with wet feet, make 
them take off their stockings, plunge their feet in cold 



338 PHYSICAL TRAINING^ 

water for a minute or two, then rub them red and dry with 
a coarse towel : this treatment will prevent them from tak- 
ing cold. 

FOOD. 

After the skin, the most active organ of the child is the 
stomach, and digestion the most important of all its func- 
tions. 

Under the paragraphs on " Lactation " and " Nursing," 
the subject of feeding an infant has been fully treated. 

Dentition is, however, the signal for a new system of diet. 
From the moment when the child has four teeth, vegetable 
matter, such as bread, rice, sago, semoline, and barley, may 
be mixed with its milk ; this will accustom the stomach to 
gradually receive vegetable food. Later, soft-boiled eggs, a 
tender piece of mutton or beef, the wing of a chicken, may be 
added, thus accustoming it to receive animal food. A child 
should eat lightly, but oftener than fully grown people. Its 
digestion is quick, and its stomach requires quicker supplies. 
It is well to accustom the child to regular hours, but it 
should not go too long without food. If a child is hungry 
between its regular meals, a piece of bread and butter, or 
fruit, will satisfy the appetite, and not hurt it. If there 
are articles of food unfit for the child, it is cruelty to expose 
it to the temptation without gratifying him : therefore, a 
child under four years of age should not occupy a seat at 
the table with grown people, unless they select to have such 
articles of food as would be innocuous to the child. 



EVACUATIONS. 

Great attention should be paid the evacuations of chil- 
dren. They should be induced to make the proper evacua- 



SLEEP. 339 

tions with regularity. When this regularity is established 
as a habit, it will be a great source of health and comfort 
during their whole life. 

SLEEP. 

Children require a great deal of sleep. They are so 
active that they would become exhausted if sleep did not 
give them a good intermission of rest. But the sleep 
should be natural : it should never be induced by artificial 
or medical means, which are very dangerous to their deli- 
cate brain. 

Never awake a child suddenly, for the surprise may cause 
a fright, to be followed by terrible consequences. When 
the child awakes, it should see only familiar faces or things : 
the sudden presence of a stranger is sometimes enough to 
throw it in a fit. Children should go to bed early, and 
rise early ; their bed should be rather hard than soft, and 
they should never be too heavily covered. Many poor chil- 
dren turn and toss in their crib, simply because the cover 
is too heavy or too warm for them. 

The nervous system of a child is so impressible that care 
should be taken never to expose it to hideous objects. Do 
not startle a child with sudden brusqueness ; do not relate 
to it unpleasant stories, or try to subject it to your will 
by threatening it with imaginary apparitions of monsters. 
The child will dream about these things, startle from his 
sleep with a piercing cry, and you will find him trembling 
with a cold sweat upon his brow. Such shocks predispose 
a child to water-on-the-brain. Very susceptible children 
require great tenderness and a patient training to accustom 
them to the sight of objects which, however harmless, cause 
them terror. 



340 PHYSICAL TRAINING. 



SCHOOL-DAYS. 



When children have reached the age of study, and you 
send them to school, remember that nature has provided 
that the organs should be developed before the mind ; that 
the muscles require exercise for their development, and that 
the mind should not be forced beyond its capacity. Preco- 
cious children are seldom healthy. Do not sacrifice the 
body to the mind; for, if the former withers, the latter 
must wither also. While some application is necessary to 
the training of the mind of children, too much will exhaust 
it and render it feeble. 

A child, from the age of seven to twelve, should not study 
more than an hour at a time ; each hour of study being fol- 
lowed by an hour of relaxation. Four hours a day of study 
is enough for a child of that period of life. The system 
adopted by the majority of schools is too confining. From 
nine to twelve, then half or one hour of relaxation, to return 
to the desk until three or four o'clock, is too exhausting. 
Besides, the collection of many children in one room — par- 
ticularly during the season when doors and windows are 
kept closed — will consume so much oxygen, and generate 
so much carbonic acid, as to make the atmosphere a perfect 
poison. When children are held for hours, with the mind 
intensely engaged, the body in complete rest, to inhale 
poisonous atmosphere, do you wonder that in time their 
bodies wither and their lungs become weak ? The constant 
sitting in one position will affect the circulation of the 
stomach and intestines, and implant seeds of dyspepsia and 
constipation. Who was that well-intentioned fool that pro- 
posed Saturday as the proper day for children's weekly 
vacation ? That brings two days of vacation together, 
while five are left for constant application. Why not select 
Thursday ? That would divide the labor more equally, and 



SCHOOL-DAYS. 341 

the day of rest would be just in time for the repair of 
wasted strength. A rested mind and a vigorous body will 
learn quickly : a few hours of application then will insure 
more proficiency than a day's work of a tired body and an 
exhausted mind. In the latter case the health is impaired ; 
in the former, preserved. 

Every school should be provided with pleasure-grounds, 
and some apparatus for gymnastics in the open air, where 
children can find pleasure and exercise; and the teacher 
should never retain a child in school during hours of relaxa- 
tion by way of punishment. While the teacher may be 
allowed means of discipline for unruly children, he has no 
right to use means that would impair their health. 

The American people, who have made a glorious and 
powerful nation out of a desolate continent in a few scores 
of years, have labored beyond their capacity ; and the result 
is a deterioration in the health of their offspring. No 
country abounds so much in dyspepsia, insanity, consump- 
tion, and uterine diseases, as this glorious land. If Ameri- 
can women are famous for delicacy of features, for fairness 
of skin, and suppleness of limbs, they are famous also for 
weakness, and incapacity for physical labor. If American 
men have built cities in a day, and fortunes in an hour, they 
have also filled Europe with valetudinarians, who are now 
in quest of health, and would willingly give for it all they 
have made in losing it. 

The education of girls in this country is above the aver- 
age of that of girls of other nations. This is undoubtedly 
owing to a very early and persistent training of the mind : 
but, while the mind is built up, the body has perished ; and 
it is the common remark of natives and foreigners, that 
American ladies " do not last." In France, Italy, Germany, 
and Scotland, a woman from thirty to forty is considered in 
the prime of her vigor and beauty ; in the United States, 
she is passee, in other words, prematurely old. Where 



342 PHYSICAL TRAINING OF CHILDREN. 

could a Raphael, a Rubens, find in America models for their 
grander paintings ? Where would Giulio Romano find a 
model for his giants ? A glorious subject of martyrs could 
be found : they would not be martyrs of Christianity, but 
the martyrs of our schools; they should not elevate the 
cross as the emblem of their sacrifice, but a pedagogue and 
a rod, with an emblazoned banner bearing these mottoes, 
u Late hours" " Ten hours study" " One hour relaxation" 
Those who clamor for woman's rights would better clamor 
for woman's muscle. Let them cry against the onslaught 
upon girls in schools, and not think, that, because a woman 
can talk or address an audience, she can clear a forest, 
man a frigate, tunnel the Alps, build the pyramids. If, in 
refined society, man guards his woman with tenderness, and 
takes all the physical burden upon himself, it is not because 
he desires to appropriate to himself all the prerogatives of 
labor and liberty ; for, where woman is his equal physically, 
she is allowed to share with him both labor and liberty. 
Liberty means labor, as the redeemed slaves have found out. 
The women peasants of Italy, of Germany, France, or Scot- 
land cannot complain of being treated like puppets. If 
only girls were made to have broad chests, good hips, devel- 
oped biceps, as well as mental capacity, they would find 
labor and liberty without clamoring for a vote. 



ADOLESCENCE. 



Period of growth. This is called so only relatively ; for 
we know that the child grows from its very birth. After it 
has attained the twelfth year of age, however, the growth 
is so rapid, the organs hasten so fast to the completion of 
their development, that the time from that age to puberty 
has been styled the " period of growth." 

This is the most important and interesting period in the 
human life ; for, after this, the moral habits are formed, and 
the organs are shaped to a fashion in which they will remain 
ever after. It is during this period, also, that the mind, 
heretofore passive and almost totally imitative, springs as 
from its cell into an existence of self-dependence, self-regu- 
lation, and gives evidence of originality of thought and con- 
ception. All the senses become more active ; and one can 
notice the human being gradually breaking away from the 
anchor of parental control, and drifting towards the current 
of life, where it will ever after steer its own course. It is 
now that you will see the fruit of your early instruction ; it 
is now that the imperfections will become apparent ; it is 
now that artistic touches will be required, lest the picture is 
a daub forever. 

It is, also, at this period that latent diseases often develop 
themselves ; and the offspring of parents who have died of 
tuberculous consumption need now the greatest attention, 
for in this condition of susceptibility the slightest indiscre- 
tion is often the spark that kindles a fatal fire in the young 
and tender body. 

It has already been stated that this period is marked by 
very notable changes, and particularly in the organs of gen- 

343 



344 ADOLESCENCE. 

eration. This development will infuse a new stimulus into 
the organism heretofore unknown to the child. It is not 
agreeable to our self-love to speak of ourselves as animals ; 
but unfortunately our nature has an animal side which even 
our conceit cannot destroy. The most important of all these 
functions is, probably, 

MENSTRUATION. 

Menstruation is that which characterizes the development 
of puberty in the woman. 

The time of its first appearance varies according to cli- 
mates, national or individual constitutions, the manner of 
living, the occupation, the habits, the moral and physical 
education. It appears sooner in warm than in cold climates. 
In the neighborhood of the equator, it appears in girls of 
ten or eleven years, and even sooner ; in the north, not be- 
fore the fourteenth or fifteenth year or even later. Differ- 
ent habits, occupation, and education will cause girls to vary 
in the coming on of menstruation in the same city or local- 
ity. The one who leads a life of excitement, reads romances, 
and is very imaginative, will menstruate early ; the other, 
retired and modest in her habits, of quiet disposition, kept 
within the sphere of innocence, will not menstruate till late. 

Although the menses appear sometimes without any pre- 
monitory symptoms, they are generally heralded by a sense 
of lassitude, a sensation of weight in the lower part of the 
abdomen and in the loins, by heat in the parts, and by a 
painful swelling of the breasts. Where the nervous system 
predominates, a general excitement prevails, inducing mel- 
ancholy, palpitation of the heart, hysteria ; also a desire for 
uncommon things, as slate-pencil, salt, tar, pickles, &c. 
After a few days of this malaise, a discharge of white mucus 
appears, which may immediately be followed or not by a 
regular menstruation. It often occurs, that, after one normal 



MENSTRUATION. 345 

menstruation, two or three months elapse before another, 
until finally they become established with regularity. In 
some cases, the reappearance is not accompanied by the 
unpleasant precursory symptoms experienced the first time ; 
in others, the same pains, sensations of weight, of heat, of 
general malaise recur. Some girls suffer much, and show it 
in their appearance ; their eyes become surrounded by a dark 
circle, their breath becomes unpleasant, they suffer from 
oppression of the chest, tenderness of the abdomen, colic \ 
their usual equanimity is lost, and they become irritable, 
impatient, violent, or sad. These symptoms would indicate 
an irritation of the uterus amounting almost to inflammation. 

The quantity of blood lost each time, and the number of 
days of sickness, vary, as they depend upon the constitution, 
climates, habits, and moral affections. 

Menstruation ceases at the age of forty to fifty, which ces- 
sation is called the u change of life," or the "critical period." 

Whenever the irregularity of menstruation produces sym- 
pathetic affections that are not consistent with health, a 
physician should be consulted without delay. 

Menstruation plays a most important part in procreation. 
Although women who never menstruated have given birth 
to children, and although women have menstruated during 
pregnancy, still the general law is, that menstruation is 
necessary to conception and does not occur in a period of 
pregnancy. Derangement of menstruation is, therefore, in 
all cases, of grave importance, as it relates to one of the 
most important duties of mankind. Deranged menstruation 
is also a source of manifold maladies, hysteria, dyspepsia, 
sick-headache, backache, weakness, colics, insanity, convul- 
sions. 

Could a mother, then, be indifferent to the establishment 
of this function in her daughter ? Should she not be solicit- 
ous that it should continue with regularity and normality ? 
Could pretended modesty excuse her from attending to this 



346 ADOLESCENCE. 

function of which her daughter is entirely ignorant ? 
Would her daughter thank her, when, in later days, she 
finds that her own instructed ignorance has led her into 
fatal errors ? 

As soon as this process commences in the girl, her mother 
should make her acquainted with its necessities and its 
dangers. Let her understand its purpose ; how it can be 
preserved, regulated, and made conducive to health ; and 
how easily deranged, and allowed to bring dangerous mala- 
dies upon her, — and she will not be long in comprehending 
its full meaning and importance. It will not be difficult, 
then, to induce her to avoid the excesses and the exposures 
that will imperil her welfare for life. 

Menstruation is sometimes tardy in its first appearance. 
Before interfering, however, it is necessary to observe if the 
girl is sufficiently developed to menstruate. This change, 
of puberty, is always accompanied by a development of the 
organs that are in close sympathy with the womb. The 
breasts should have become larger, the hips wider, the form 
fuller, before this function is established : as long as they 
are undeveloped, it would be useless, and even dangerous, 
to attempt to establish menstruation by medical means. 
If she have reached her sixteenth year, and her form has 
acquired the shape to indicate that puberty has arrived, she 
should be subjected to some healthier regimen. She should 
be taken from school; sent to the country, given exercise in 
the open air ; her diet should be simple, but nutritious ; her 
feet bathed in warm water every night. A journey on the 
sea, a sojourn on the mountains, has often induced that 
crisis without any other aid. 

"When the girl, already developed, suffers periodically 
from headache, backache, flashes of heat, nose-bleed, palpi- 
tation of the heart, nervousness, and pain in her breasts, 
while the menses do not make their appearance, a skilful 
physician should be consulted. 



EXERCISE' OF BOYS AND GIRLS. 347 

The common causes of irregularity in the menses are tak- 
ing cold, wet feet, too much mental application, sedentary 
life, want of exercise, abuse of coffee, stimulants, or narcot- 
ics, violent exercise, checked perspiration, laziness, late 
hours, want of attention to the daily evacuations, excite- 
ment, anger, passion, grief, worry, immorality, disappoint- 
ments, home-sickness, mental shocks, frights. 

Diseases of the womb are insidious in their nature, be- 
cause uncared for. Should all irregularities be attended to 
in the beginning, they would not run into that chronic state 
in which physicians almost always find them. Thousands 
of our weak, nervous, helpless women, would revel in the 
enjoyment of perfect health, in the discharge of their solemn 
duties as wives and as mothers, if they had given timely 
attention to little irregularities. 

The hygiene of a girl at this critical period should be 
guarded, both morally and physically. Her mind should 
be free from cares or sorrows ; free from the shackles of 
society ; not laden with engrossing studies ; prevented from 
reading amorous literature, or too much of romance and 
novels ; guarded from all nervous shocks. Her body should 
be allowed to develop, untrammelled by unsuitable dress, 
unimpeded by confinement to the house or school. The 
open air should be her life, healthy exercise her practice, 
innocent pleasures her resources. 

EXERCISE OF BOYS AND GIRLS. 

Young men have a great advantage over girls in their 
youthful exercise : they always add pleasure to it. That 
is important. A walk will soon become irksome when it 
must be made in a particular street, under the surveillance 
of Miss " Propriety ." A hearty laugh, a loud voice, so 
natural during that period of exuberant life, is quicklji 
hushed up by the green eyes of that ignorant regulator. 



348 ADOLESCENCE. 

I well remember, during my own boyhood in Italy, when 
it was the fashion among the rich classes in Europe to turn 
over the care and education of their children to seminaries, 
the long and pale faces, the timid, spirit-smothered boys, 
that used to file in procession, under the captaincy of a 
priest, through the streets and in the parks. The free boys 
would style them "the sick crows;" and in their sports 
those poor " crows " always came in last. They were buf- 
feted and ridiculed by the young scamps, from whose every 
pore ran out energy, health, and activity. The lessons of 
the " crows " would be well rendered, they were well drilled, 
no doubt ; but the success in life was carried by the healthy, 
strong, and disorderly crew of the free boys. 

If young men have cricket, foot-ball, base-ball, hunting, 
fishing, boating, and innumerable games that cheer their 
mind, and exercise their body, why should not girls have 
games and sports appropriate to their sex? Rowing is an 
exercise, not only healthy, but graceful, for a woman. Swim- 
ming is as healthy and necessary to their life as to men's. 
Gymnastics can be adapted to their strength. Riding is 
exhilarating, and very healthful. 

Higginson well says, "Indeed, there is something in- 
volved in the matter far beyond any mere physical neces- 
sity. All our natures need something more than mere 
bodily exertion : they need bodily enjoyment. There is, or 
ought to be, in all of us a touch of untamed gypsy nature, 
which should be trained, not crushed." Even danger adds 
zest to our actions. The same author, alluding to gymnas- 
tics, says, " If it does you good, you will enjoy it ; if you 
enjoy it, it will do you good. With body, as with soul, the 
highest experience merges duty in pleasure." 

Dancing is, without doubt, one of the most pleasurable 
exercises known. It is a period of intermission from the 
cares and sorrows of the world. It is an indication of a 
healthful state of body and mind. A mind borne down by 



EXERCISE OF BOYS AND GIRLS. 349 

care or grief, a body weakened by disease, cannot dance. 
If wholesome, where comes in the danger then ? It is not 
dancing that is injurious, it is the heated rooms, the excess, 
that re-acts unfavorably on the body ; it is the current of 
cold air that is often allowed to rush through hot and 
crowded parlors ; it is the heavy supper that is almost 
always the concomitant of hospitality. 

The exercise of dancing increases the action of the lungs ; 
hence girls should not wear tight belts or tight corsets. It 
exercises the muscles of the foot, which, therefore, should 
not be incased within narrow and unyielding shoes. 

Morally, many people object to dancing : to those I say, 
a Honi soit qui mat y jpenseP "While the mind is engaged 
in the pleasurable and invigorating exercise of dancing, 
seldom does it plunge into unworthy and prurient thoughts. 
Many parents object to dancing, who do not object to their 
daughter staying alone in a parlor with a young man, tak- 
ing a walk or a drive with him. Strange inconsistency of 
human nature ! If you have confidence enough in the 
integrity of your daughter to allow her so much freedom, 
why should your confidence lessen when she clings to the 
arm of the young man dancing in your presence, and amidst 
your friends ? The plea is given that a girl cannot select 
her partner; that is a mistake. A sensible girl can so 
comport herself, that only those that she prefers will ask her 
to dance. Seldom does a young man insist upon dancing 
with a young woman who has aversion to him. 

The dance has always been a part of all joyful occasions. 
Dancing is an accompaniment to happiness. Sober men 
have danced at joyful news ; Christians have memorialized 
their triumphs by a dance 5 the most innocent and upright 
people dance. Dangers surround us at all times, and wick- 
edness can be concocted during a dance. So a lemon-peel 
has been the cause of a broken neck ; yet lemons are re- 
tained as a useful article, and they have not been proscribed. 



350 ADOLESCENCE. 

" There are many intelligent; excellent, and conscientious 
people who think that dancing is an innocent and healthful 
amusement, tending to promote ease of manners, cheerful- 
ness, social affection, and health of mind and body ; that 
evils are involved only in its excess 5 that like food, study, or 
religious excitement, it is only wrong when not properly 
regulated ; and that, if serious and intelligent people would 
strive to regulate rather than banish this amusement, much 
more good would be secured." — The American Woman's 
Home. 

A very pleasing and useful study for. a girl, one in which 
she can learn, amuse her mind, and exercise her body, is 
botany. But a girl should not study botany on preserved 
leaves or flowers, or on beautiful colored plates, but in the 
meadows, on the hills, amidst the rocks. Her mind will 
be engaged in the search after a favorite plant, her body 
exercised in the effort to attain her object. This study 
would induce her to the cultivation of a home-garden ; there 
she can dig, plant, trim, and love her flowers. She can 
dirty her hands, and tan her face ; but under those coatings 
there will be the glow of health. It will not be a lost lesson ; 
for, when older, her knowledge of the plants and herbs will 
greatly assist her in assuaging the pains of the sick, or 
supplying the needs of the poor. 



DRESS. 



Dress is not intended to be simply a cover to our naked- 
ness : it has been invented in civilized countries as a j)ro- 
tection of the body from vicissitudes of weather, and sudden 
changes from a high to a low degree of atmospheric tem- 
perature. Dress is to maintain within the body a certain 
amount of heat required for the circulation of our blood, the 
actions of our organs, muscles, and limbs. "We know the 
effect of extreme heafc or extreme cold on the human body : 
hence we can easily imagine that even in the intermediate 
degrees they must produce effects, which, although not 
instantly fatal, will, nevertheless, induce changes in our 
system incompatible with the laws of health. 

The object in dressing being to prevent the evaporation 
of necessary heat from the body, it follows, that, according 
to the elevation or falling of the surrounding temperature, 
the dress must be adapted. Heat must be equal, evapora- 
tion must be equal. To maintain this equilibrium, the body 
must be equally dressed all over. 

As the temperature affects the circulation, it follows, that, 
when the dress is partial, the temperature is unequal, and 
the circulation, of course, unequal also. 

From the moment the circulation is unequal, the blood 
flows more freely in one part than in another. The part 
more exposed to evaporization, or to a lower degree of sur- 
rounding temperature, must have a circulation slower than 
the parts protected from both. The cooling of the surface 
is induced by the contraction of the capillaries, which drives 
the blood away from those parts, making them very slug- 
gish, to other parts, making them very active. From the 
moment this fact is established, the equilibrium is disturbed, 

351 



352 DRESS. 

and the human machine deranged in its operations. The 
great study of keeping a clock in perfect running order is 
to maintain the equilibrium of forces amongst the different 
parts. When one part, like the pendulum, chain, spring, 
or wheel, is differently affected by the surrounding tempera- 
ture, the expansion becomes unequal, the equilibrium is 
lost, and the clock is out of order. Philosophical mechanics 
have discovered this, and have used every skilful means to 
balance the gain and losses in the expansion of the metals, 
or by using metals of equal susceptibility, &c. If we are 
so careful with clocks, why are we not with ourselves ? 

Civilization, with all its wonderful apparatus for heating 
houses, will have done a great injury to mankind, unless it 
provides also the means to protect us when we leave our 
luxurious homes for the house of God, that open temple of 
his wonderful creation, where the sun is the only fire, and 
its satellites the only luminaries in its absence. 

The transition from 70° Fahrenheit, within our abodes, 
to zero without, must be productive of sudden changes in 
our circulation, unless clothing prevents it, by being equally 
and sufficiently spread over the entire body. 

The feet that touch the ground, which, in its cooled state, 
would absorb much of their heat, need adequate protection, 
else the equilibrium would be disturbed, and a cold would 
be the consequence. The dress of women is not calculated 
to protect their lower limbs and the abdomen as well as the 
upper part of the body : this is another great and general 
source of disturbance of that equilibrium. Those former 
parts become sluggish in their functions, and finally the 
seat of permanent derangement ; the bowels become costive, 
the womb subject to congestions, congestions inducing pain- 
ful menstruation, leuchorrhoea, prolapsus, ulceration, &c. 

The chest, or thorax, that contains our most noble organs, 
if not equally protected, will be liable to the same functional 
derangements. The lungs being thus subjected to a flux 



EARLY EDUCATION IN DRESS. 353 

and reflux, quite irregular, will become disorganized: coughs, 
sore throats, pleurisy, pneumonia, consumption, must follow. 
The heart, the recipient and propeller of the blood, must 
become deranged when this fluid is constantly varied in its 
flow. If more blood is driven to it from the periphery of the 
body than its natural capacity can receive and propel, the 
heart must become enlarged and enfeebled ; its delicate 
valves, that are to open or close according as the heart 
receives or expels, must become troubled, and finally dis- 
organized; and then we have a frightful condition of things, 
which can only bespeak an early death. The liver, kidneys, 
&c, are subject to the same influences and the same risks. 

Pine shoulders and alabaster bosoms are beautiful to see. 
On the same principle, you might bare other parts equally 
beautiful ; fortunately, decency has put limits to such exhi- 
bitions. But why it should be more decent to expose a 
beautiful arm or bosom than a beautiful leg or thigh, is 
more than any philosopher can explain. Fashion, 
fashion ! thou art the devil in sheep's clothing, indeed ! 

As it is with partial exposure, so it is with tight lacing. 
Pressure drives blood away from the parts, the veins and 
capillaries being intensely elastic. Pressure not only pre- 
vents development of the parts, but actually causes absorp- 
tion of the tissue. Tie a leg sufficiently tight to prevent 
the circulation of the blood for any length of time, and it 
will dwindle into an incredible smallness. 

Commence early, therefore, in the education of dress. It 
is beautiful to look on the dimpled arms, chest, and legs of 
an infant ; but think of the consequences ! The idea that 
exposure makes them hardy is not bad ; but then expose 
all parts equally, and do not keep them for eighteen hours 
in a temperature of 70°, and six hours in an atmosphere 
from 10° to zero. 

If your manner of living forces you into these incongrui- 
ties, see that your child goes out in the fresh air with a 
23 



354 DRESS. 

body equally covered. Bare legs and arms are not con- 
ducive to its hardihood when the other parts are heavily 
clad. Better that it should go naked, like the savages, and 
that your houses had no fire. 

Mothers, read and think of this ! It is truth. See to 
your infants. Pleasure-grounds and shady sides have sent 
millions of little beings to a desolate grave. It is not the 
fault of the pleasure-grounds nor of the shady sides ; but 
it is the sitting on the grass and on the earth of a tempera- 
ture much lower than the body, when the clothes that come 
between serve only to cover it from sight, not to protect it 
from the absorption of its heat. If a child is lightly clad, 
spread a shawl or a cushion underneath : a grown person 
in the same condition would do the same ; it is only those 
delicate little creatures that are allowed such careless treat- 
ment. 

HOW DRESS MAY AFFECT GIRLS. 

We all love to see children looking pretty, cunning, and 
attractive. Fashion does a great deal towards the attain- 
ment of this aim. Let us commence from the period that 
a girl-baby leaves off her long robes for the short skirts. 
The mother will take care that the baby's chest is well 
covered : the pretty limbs, however, will be exposed, the 
little stockings short, and the drawers made of cotton or 
linen, but thin. If the child goes out, a Nurse, % put a sacque 
on the baby, and do not let her go -out without her hat : it 
is cool to-day." Unless it is decided winter, no additional 
clothing is suggested for her limbs or abdomen. The child 
goes out, sits on the grass or dirt, the temperature of which, 
being lower, robs the child of some of the heat from her 
legs and the lower part of her body. So the child goes 
from year to year, without much difference in her apparel ; 
the dress of the lower half of the body being much less in 



HOW DRESS MAY AFFECT GIRLS. 355 

proportion than the dress of the upper half. The putting on 
of an extra skirt does not help this difference a great deal. 
In a small child, the skirts are so short that I cannot con- 
sider their efficiency in keeping the child warm any better 
than an umbrella carried above one's head. The cold air 
must necessarily get under the skirts ; and the warmer the 
body the quicker the air will rush up, on the principle of a 
flue. 

In this way the temperature of the body of the girl, from 
her waist down, is kept for years several degrees lower than 
that of her body from the waist upwards. 

The consequence is serious in the extreme. Every one 
knows that cold contracts the skin, veins, and arteries, and 
propels the blood from the surface. Put your hand in ice- 
water for a few minutes, and you will see it shrunk and 
colorless : the blood has been driven from it. This process 
is going on all the time that the child is less warm in one 
part of the body than in another. In the coolest part, the 
circulation becomes slower as the blood is driven away. 
Where is the blood driven to ? To other parts of the body, 
where it is not wanted, where it clogs up, and actually 
causes passive congestion. 

What .is the first ill effect experienced ? Constipation. 

The bowels, like the stomach, have their functions to 
perform in digestion : they require the same quantity of 
animal heat ; they require unobstructed circulation. But to 
expose the surface of the abdomen causes great evaporation 
of needed heat ; the cold drives the blood to the interior, 
causing a clogging up in the internal circulation 5 the 
digestion, robbed of the heat, its operation interfered with, 
becomes gradually slower, all its functions slower and de- 
layed ; and constipation is a natural result of the whole. Is 
this not true ? Witness eight women out of ten consti- 
pated ! Why are men not so prone to constipation ? Be- 
cause their dress is calculated to keep the whole body of an 



356 DBESS. 

equal temperature, and their circulation unimpeded. Wit- 
ness the children of the poorer class. They may be exposed 
as much, nay, a great deal more, than those of the wealthier 
class, but their exposure is not partial : if they are thinly 
dressed, they are so from head to foot ; if they have no 
drawers, they have no flannel shirt ; if they have no shoes, 
they have no hat. Constipation, then, is the effect of un- 
equal dressing. 

But, again, constipation is the almost universal cause of 
displacements of the womb. These congestions of the 
womb, inducing leucorrhoea and ulceration; these frequent 
retention of the menses ; this universal painful menstrua- 
tion ; these irregularities, depriving the woman of her 
health, her vigor, her happiness, are all due to this un- 
equal dressing, which, by causing unequal circulation^ 
implants the seeds of disease and disorder from earliest 
infancy. 

When will woman love her children better than fashion ? 
When she does, when she dresses them according to physio- 
logical common sense, then, and then only, will our women 
be strong and healthy ; then will they go without sick- 
headaches and neuralgias ; then will they go without con- 
stipation and piles ; then will they go without the eternal 
"pain in the back," leucorrhoea, &c. 

How can the mother secure this ? 

As soon as the baby is old enough to wear short dresses, 
let the mother, according to the seasons of the year, dress 
her equally all over. If it is summer, light drawers will 
do, as she will wear but little above. As the cold season 
comes on, and she puts on the baby a flannel shirt, let her 
put on her flannel drawers. If she thinks the child needs 
more for the protection of her chest, let her think that the 
child will need as much for the protection of her limbs and 
abdomen. 

Thus let this system be continued, not until the girl has 



HOW DRESS MAY AFFECT GIRLS. 357 

arrived at the age of puberty only, but ever after, and until 
she will need no dress at all. 

How does constipation cause displacement ? If the 
bowels are not moved daily, fecal matter must accumulate 
within, distend them, and finally deprive them of the 
natural elasticity that causes them to expel the obnoxious 
contents. When they get loaded, they press downward 
and all around them ; they press down the womb, or they 
impact the rectum, and thrust the womb forward upon the 
bladder. They press upon the arteries, and prevent the 
purified blood from going to give sustenance to other organs. 
They press upon veins, and prevent the return of blood, 
causing a clogging up of the hoernorrhoidal veins, which, in 
their turn, cause " piles ; " or of the veins of the limbs, 
causing " varicose veins." The veins so distended ooze out 
water from their walls, and cause dropsy. Thus constipa- 
tion, together with the continual draft on the abdomen, 
will cause congestion of the womb ; congestion will cause 
inflammation; inflammation will cause leucorrhoea and 
ulceration ; and all these disorders will cause such debility 
of the womb as will disable it from carrying a child longer 
than six or eight weeks ; hence the constant miscarriages 
occurring. 

Let the mother bear this in mind ; let her save her child 
from constipation, and she will save her from a hundred 
and one disorders that will render her life a life of misery. 
And, to do this, let her begin with the child's earliest years 
to dress her with equal warmth all over ! 



ONANISM. 



We wist we could be silent on a vice so repulsive to our 
self-respect as this ; but we feel that it is that very silence 
and reticence which permits this vice to grow, by default of 
proper warning and education. Feeling that our duty is 
more imperative than good taste, we hope the effort will be 
fully appreciated by the reader. 

The practice of " onanism " i» more common and more 
extended than any one is willing to believe : it is common 
in the adults of both sexes. This vice is acquired very 
early in life, even before the tenth year of age ; sometimes 
by accident, generally by associating with vicious boys and 
girls. Boarding-schools, colleges, seminaries, in fact, all 
the places where many young boys or girls are collected, 
and have the freedom of each other's society, are places 
where this destructive vice is learned and nursed. 

Mothers, generally, delude themselves upon the pretended 
innocence of their children, particularly of their girls ; yet 
it is our painful duty to state that our experience as a 
medical man has taught us that very few go exempt from it. 

The apparent symptoms that indicate the practice of 
this vice are general emaciation in spite of a good appetite ; 
paleness of the skin ; intellectual languor, and inaptitude to 
work ; a nervous susceptibility ; palpitations ; shortness of 
breath ; panting at comparatively little physical effort ; mel- 
ancholy ; inclination to solitude ; headaches ; derangements 
of digestion. These phenomena vary in individuals, accord- 
ing to their constitution ; and, in the beginning, are so slight 
as to escape the notice of the parents. If the victim, how- 
ever, fails to appreciate these warnings, and continues in 
the fatal practice, the symptoms become grave indeed, and 

358 



THE A TMENT. — HYGIENE. 359 

are as follows : general languor and depression of spirit ; the 
intellect is weakened; they become absent-minded; they lose 
their memory, finally they are overtaken by giddiness; their 
eyes are constantly encircled by a livid halo, their pupils 
become dilated ; they become indifferent to objects that 
interest others, indifferent to the opposite sex; they are 
troubled by voluptuous dreams, and by night emissions; 
they become timid, and faint easily. The girls will feel an 
irritation of the parts, which is wrongly attributed to a dis- 
charge of whites. In man, spermatorhcea follows as the curse 
of the wicked act. Finally, these symptoms resolve them- 
selves into serious maladies, such as epilepsy, hypochondria, 
hysteria, insanity, &c. The greatest part of the maladies 
resulting from onanism affect the nervous system. It is of 
the highest importance that this suicidal habit should be 
discovered in time, and that preventive means should be 
adopted early, else they will soon prove fatal to the individual. 

GENERAL TREATMENT. 

As soon as suspicion is induced by the foregoing symp- 
toms, the parents^ ought to exert the strictest surveillance ; 
they should never leave the child alone ; it should not be 
allowed to retire to bed .until sleepy ; it should be made to 
leave the bed as soon as awake, and, if possible without 
outraging innocence, the child should be made acquainted 
with the dangers of the fearful practice, which is always 
entered upon in ignorance. In colleges and seminaries, the 
teacher should never lose sight of the individual addicted 
to this vice ; he should not allow him to isolate himself from 
his companions, and should endeavor to discover and expel 
the promoter of the practice. Every time the child awak- 
ens, he should be instructed to pass water. All reading 
calculated to excite the imagination should be proscribed, 
and attention paid that this reading is not carried on 
secretly. 



360 ONANISM. 

When the symptoms indicate that the vice has already- 
made inroads in the health of the individual, a skilful 
physician should be consulted without delay. But, apropos 
of physicians, let not your modesty drive you from respecta- 
ble physicians of good standing to advertised pretenders 
who treat that special malady. The advertising columns 
are full of such, showing the incredible extent of the prac- 
tice of this vice and its fatality ; these draw the timid and 
the modest to their great detriment. Go to your own phy- 
sician, whose skill you know, and whose honor you can 
trust. 

Muscular exercise should be carried almost to exhaustion, 
particularly before going to bed. The mind should be occu- 
pied by healthful and pleasant distractions : travelling is 
one which will pass the time, and distract the mind from 
one's self; hence useful in the case. Baths in current water, 
swimming, cold local bathing several times a day, and even 
during the night, will abate local irritation and nervous 
susceptibility. Food should be light, and deprived of all 
spices : shell-fish, cheese, spirits, wine, coffee, should be for- 
bidden. 

If the habit has taken such hold as to be impossible to 
make the individual relinquish it, personal restraint may 
become necessary ; his hands should be secured. The bed 
should be hard and cool, no feather mattress used. A 
grown person should sleep with the child when this vice is 
suspected. 

The directors of asylums for the insane, and for idiots, 
could witness that we do not exaggerate, when we call upon 
parents to use the utmost vigilance, moral courage, and 
parental influence in detecting and dealing with this insidi- 
ous vice ; for it is capable of sapping the bodies, destroying 
the minds, and degrading the souls of their dear children. 



MARRIAGE. 



HARMONY 
OF TEMPERAMENT AND EDUCATION. 

The union of two moral and intellectual beings, linked 
by a pure love, in conjugal relation, is a sublime conception 
of Christianity and civilization. "Those whom God has 
joined together, let not man put asunder." Man and woman 
thus joined become a unit. Their thoughts, their actions, 
/ their will, should all tend to cohesion. This cohesion can 
be maintained only by harmony of temperament and of 
education. Discordant temperaments and different educa- 
tions will force a married pair asunder perpetually, and end 
only in the destruction of the compact made on the very 
altar of God. The disregard or the want of these elements 
of cohesive moral force in persons who join in marriage 
renders their union a mistake, if not a crime. We often 
see persons, who, although joined with the sincerest intent 
to fulfil their duty to each other, and with hope of happiness 
beating high within their bosoms, fall suddenly apart, from 
incompatibility of temperament or education. This incom- 
patibility will cause attritions and jarrings, which eventually 
intensify into explosions of bad temper, conducing to sepa- 
ration and crime. 

A son, dutiful and amenable in his parents' home, a 
daughter, a very angel in her father's household, join in 
wedlock ; and the occasion is one of great rejoicing among 
the parents and friends. Only a few months, and the 
daughter returns to shed tears on her mother's bosom, whis- 
pering sad accusations against her husband. The son 
returns downcast, with knitted brow, to his parents' home ; 
and, when forced by a doting mother into a confession of his 

861 



362 MARRIAGE. 

troubles, he inveighs against his wife. Soothing words and 
good advice may send them back in better temper, to renew 
vows of love and promises of better things for the future ; 
but, alas ! only a few weeks, — often a few days, — and 
again each takes the path to the parental home. This 
time the fault is unpardonable. Affectionate words from a 
loving and frightened mother, good warnings from a sensible 
father, fail to soothe. A restlessness takes possession of the 
young people, which is prognostic of heavier storms. The 
clouds gather fast. An opportunity, and a blast of passion is 
in them. All the warnings and loving words are forgotten ; 
hot thoughts are exchanged, an intense look is given to one 
another, and the discovery is made, — they are strangers. 
The wife's parents recognize no more the seraph that only 
chanted notes of innocence within their ears. The hus- 
band's parents do not recognize the dutiful, amenable son. 
Each was good when they were separate : both are bad now 
that they are united. Is this a difficult problem to solve ? 
No. Had each found a mate homogeneous in temperament 
and in education (or, in other words, congenial), the union 
would have been perfect ; but this important principle was 
neglected, the centripetal moral force was wanting, and 
there they are, asunder : one not comprehending the other ; 
both appearing what they are not, — selfish and ill-inten- 
tioned. 

HASTY MARRIAGES. 

Marriage brought about by a love inspired in the ball- 
room, in the shady paths of summer retreats, where life's 
duties and personal requirements are not discussed, or allowed 
to trespass, should be looked upon with distrust. The ardor 
of youth, selfish in its intent, will not allow the mind, at 
such times, to descend for a moment from the lofty pinnacle 
of love to a prosaic analysis of every-day's affairs, among 



HASTY MARRIAGES. 363 

which they, nevertheless, must spend their life when they 
are married. They do not think — they cannot think — that 
marriage is a contract of " give and take ; " and that, as in 
all contracts, there must he honesty aud integrity in the ful- 
filment as well as in the promise. They themselves would 
laugh at others entering upon engagements so solemn and 
so binding on simple protestations of friendship and good 
faith. They would see to it, that, before they make such 
solemn vows, each possesses the means to discharge his 
self-imposed duties to the very letter, not only by words, but 
by such securities as will insure a true fulfilment, — so 
important to a continuation of harmony in that partnership 
where individuality is lost, dualism abandoned, and union 
sought and achieved. 

With our knowledge of human affairs, is it safe to allow 
two inexperienced beings, young in the ways of the world, 
to enter into a cod tract unassisted by the warnings and 
knowledge of the parents ? 

But how can the parents act without infringing upon the 
right of selection, which is a natural privilege of their chil- 
dren ? 

First of all, encourage the associations of your children 
with such as bear no great contrast in social status or educa- 
tion. Educate your daughter to take a practical view of 
life, by enjoining industry and self-reliance. Educate her 
to be a co-laborer with man, recognizing, that, if she become 
married, in the fulfilment of the contract she must take a 
share of the toil as well as the enjoyment ; that, while he is 
toiling for the support of the family, she is not to sit with 
hands on her lap, wasting her mental capacity on the novels 
of the day, or the small earnings of her husband in ever- 
lasting " shopping." What she can save by her industry 
and discretion will be equal to the income he brings home. 
This will secure his respect and his confidence. To her he 
will unfold his plans, relate his success and his failures ; 



364 MARRIAGE. 

and hand in hand, in mutual encouragement, they will 
walk the "long path," through the mysterious avenues of 
happiness, and generally to the goal of success. 

Educate your sons to virtue, and to the habit of regarding 
woman, not as a fading flower or a divine statuette, but as 
a noble fellow-creature. And, if he marry, let him know 
her as a helpmate, who has her rights in the contract. 
Let him be taught that he is not to be the autocrat, and 
she his serf; but that they are equal, each attending to the 
department suited to his kind, each department being a 
part of the whole ; that in her he should confide, not only 
because it is his will, but because it is her right ; that the 
fidelity, interest, and compliance he exacts from her, he 
should feel she has the right to exact from him ; that, before 
he transgresses, he should think how he would like it should 
she transgress likewise. 

Parents who have boys and girls to rear should take care 
not to make odious distinctions ; and those foolish mothers 
who dote upon their sons, and allow them privileges not 
granted to the daughters, raise bad husbands. The boy 
who has been educated to regard his sister as inferior to 
himself is not likely to put a greater estimate on a woman 
when he is wedded to her. 



BETROTHAL. 

How is harmony of temperament and education, so essen- 
tial in married life, to be found out before marriage ? 
Certainly not under the present system of betrothal 
between boys and girls in this country. In the United 
States, a boy and a girl become " engaged;" then he or 
she informs the parents, who must acquiesce at once, or create 
serious disappointment with disapproval. The parents of 
both axe thus often compelled to a consent without having 



BETROTHAL. 365 

the slightest knowledge of the true character and education 
of the parties concerned. 

Wise parents should know that their children will eventu- 
ally want to get married; they should therefore watch 
with solicitude the accomplishment of this fact. By proper 
management, they should make the children feel that they 
do not look with aversion upon this occurrence ; on the 
contrary, they should make them feel that they share this 
as every other happiness of a beloved child. This will 
secure the confidence of the young persons, who will admit 
to their parents their predilections. Thus time will be 
afforded for proper warnings and advice ; and, when there is 
no absolute reason for opposition, a girl's parents should 
receive a young man's attentions to their daughter with 
that dignified acquiescence which will make him not only 
respectful, but grateful. Invite him to visit your family as 
a friend of aft ; show interest in his pursuits ; make him 
feel that you share his aspirations in life's work ; that you 
respect him, and have confidence in his integrity, — and he 
w r ill become unreserved, communicative, and even confiden- 
tial ; his whole nature will gradually be manifested, and in 
the interchange of social ideas, family sentiments, &c, these 
two beings, attractive to one another, will have a fair oppor- 
tunity of putting the true estimate on each other. More- 
over, the parents, who are there not as mere spectators, but 
as interested parties, will be able to judge of the probability 
of happiness ; and if, in their judgment, there should be 
incompatibility of temperament or education, they will have 
time to prevent what might be an irretrievable error. Dur- 
ing this acknowledged courtship, there should be, however, 
no binding engagement. 

The prevailing custom in this country, that excludes the 
parents from the society of young gentlemen who admire 
their daughters, is erroneous, and prolific of a social evil. 
It cannot be expected that two young people thus left will 



366 MARRIAGE. 

spend much of their time in reflections, or analytical obser- 
vation of each other's intrinsic character or merit. The 
subdued, winning ways of a beautiful girl will entrance the 
susceptible heart of a youth, who, in his turn, hides his 
own short-comings in the effort to appear what he thinks 
she must love. These loving creatures are simply dissem- 
bling, though, perhaps, with the most honest and amiable 
motives. Hypocrisy is the art of love, and skill is not 
wanting when the heart is in a state of effervescence. It 
is when excitement ceases, after a few months' marriage, 
that, unconsciously, the mask is allowed to drop, to take a 
breath. The discovery thus made is pleasing only in inverse 
proportion to the disguise. Disguise there is always in 
lovers : the very anxiety to please makes them always put 
the best foot foremost ; the discovery of the cloven-foot is 
always productive of disappointment and heart-burnings 
for being deceived while trying to deceive. 

As a mask cannot be worn forever, we recommend long 
engagements, and constant association en famille, so as to 
prevent those periods of rest which enable the dissembler 
to put on sweet dispositions for the occasion. 



A GIRL FIT TO MARRY. 

When a man offers himself in marriage, it is expected 
that he has a trade, a profession, an occupation of some 
kind, in which he is skilled, in order that he may be able 
to provide for himself and family. 

What is expected of woman ? 

I have heard mothers say, "Let my daughter enjoy her- 
self while she is single : there is time enough for her to 
learn cooking and house-keeping after she is married." 
Now, suppose a young man should go to a college to ask for 
his diploma, telling the professors that he would take out his 



A GIRL FIT TO MARRY. 367 

degrees; but the profession he would learn afterwards. 
Suppose that a young man, while offering his hand to the 
daughter of the above mother, should say, " Madam, I have 
enjoyed myself so far ; now that I take to myself a wife, 
I will learn a profession : there is plenty of time after mar- 
riage to learn." What would the dame say? Very likely 
she would stand aghast at the impudence of the fellow ; and 
politeness would not prevent her from telling him that he 
was not fit to have the care of her child. And yet, when 
he says, "I am a mechanic, a merchant, a lawyer, or a doctor 
of medicine," what does she say of her daughter? — probably 
this : " She is a good girl ; she is the idol of our family ; 
she has never worked ; she has never known a trouble : see 
that you make her happy." good mother! is that 
your idea of equity ? The way you ought to be able to 
answer is this : " My daughter, too, has a profession ; she 
can keep house ; she can sew ; she can cook ; she knows the 
market price of comestibles, knows the proportions of gro- 
ceries to be meted out for a certain number of individuals 
in a family ; can keep a book of expenses ; understands the 
laws of economy, the management of servants, the govern- 
ment of her house. I assure you that the earnings from 
your toil will be safe in her hands. While you make, she 
will economize ; and, instead of being an expense to you, 
she will be an assistance. Even if she should not need to 
labor, she so understands hoiv to do that she can direct the 
service of others. Her pleasures are only secondary to her 
duties ; and while she is refined, educated, and virtuous, 
she is a good manager, and a pleasant companion." 

O mothers! let this be so, and hundreds of bachelors 
who rove through the miseries of " single blessedness," de- 
terred from marriage by the fear that they cannot support 
a wife, will take to themselves one of these lovely and in- 
dustrious women, and regret that they did not find her 
before. 



368 MARRIAGE. 

Whose fault is it that the young men of our days are so 
afraid of marriage ? Whose fault is it if married men can- 
not encourage bachelors to change their condition ? Even 
from the pulpit we have heard denounced this disinclination 
of men to marry. We know that this abnormal state of 
things is prolific of moral vices and social degradation, yet 
we cannot encourage good men to marry women who are 
totally ignorant of the duties of a wife : we cannot blame 
them if they do not want to marry women who drag them 
from step to step down from the ladder of success. 

No woman, were she a queen, should feel above a certain 
amount of daily work. 

It is for the parents to educate their daughters for the 
profession of housewives. To become an efficient house- 
wife, it needs the early training that a man has to undergo 
to become a mechanic, a professional man, or a trader. 
The habit of methodical work is acquired only through early 
perseverance, never after. Men will more respect a girl 
who can use a little French on her pastry than one who 
can only utter French bons-mots in the parlor. Her white 
and flexible hands will lose none of their charms if they are 
pricked by the industrious needle. A well-fitting dress 
will attract no less if the nimble fingers of" the wearer did 
the cutting and the sewing. 

Raise your daughters to do their work, and the limited 
incomes of young men will be ample to support a family, 
and also to save for rainy days. The wife thus employed 
will have more respect for herself, and will be a good judge 
of the hardships of her husband. The husband will love 
the little sprite who lessens his anxieties, and affords him 
so much comfort. No more dependence upon unwilling or 
untrusty servants ; she can laugh at them, and, when they 
find that it is so, they will learn that their interest is to 
work, to economize, and be faithful. The whole household 
will then be in harmony; the vexations that try one's 



HEALTH IN MARRIAGE. 369 

temper, the heart-burnings and rejoinders, be replaced by 
peace, prosperity, and happiness. 

Occupation and labor are conducive to health ; and, with 
habits of industry, many of our beautiful but frail girls 
would have been much finer specimens of womanhood, 
morally and physically. 



HEALTH IN MARRIAGE. 

Health is that condition of an animal in which all the 
parts are sound, well organized ; in which they all perform 
their natural functions without hinderance. 

Is this condition made a requisite on the part of the 
parents before they give their consent to the marriage of 
their children ? Would that it were so ! The cattle- 
breeder carefully inquires into the pedigree of the sire ; but 
the father gives his daughter in marriage to one whose 
lungs will not carry him ten years, whose skin indicates 
remote disease, whose puny figure demonstrates an organi- 
zation vitiated by inherited humors ; and, while the cattle- 
breeder looks with pride on the purity of his stock, the 
grandfather gazes stolidly at his rickety grandchildren. 
The marriage of unhealthy persons soon brings forth an 
offspring that bear the sickly taint of the parents, — some- 
times even intensified. How often the physician listens to 
the mother's lament, who entreats that he may save the 
only remaining child : she has lost all, and this is her only 
hope ! The physician looks at her and at her husband, and 
in his own mind exclaims, " No wonder V 9 Alas ! this is 
too true. One-tenth of the human race die before they 
reach the age of three. Can this be the intention of the 
Creator ? Can it be accident ? What chance can a baby 
have to live through the scores of little disorders to which 
it is exposed during that tender age, when its very organ!- 

24 



370 MARRIAGE. 

zation bears the seed of scrofula or syphilis ? Teething, 
summer-complaint, pneumonia, whooping-cough, catarrh, 
croup, that fill thousands of untimely graves with the inno- 
cents, are cursed by desolate mothers, who, had they or 
their parents known better, might have avoided a union 
that compels them now to immolate the life of their chil- 
dren upon the altar of ancient vice. Teething, indeed ! 
How can the little ones who bear marks of the dissolute- 
ness of their forefathers live through any accidental physi- 
cal irritation ? Every day, the knell vibrates the sound of 
the funeral-march of some one too young, too lovely, for the 
grave ; and yet the marriages that spread destructive ele- 
ments of disease are celebrated every day, and blessed on 
the altar of the Almighty ! 

The great Hahnemann, in his theory of psora, has traced 
almost all chronic diseases, and the tendency to disease, to 
that latent impurity which the parent bequeaths to his 
child. Modern philosophers laugh no longer at what was 
once styled an eccentricity of that great thinker : what the 
scoffers thought was only a flight of his fervid imagination, 
men of science now proclaim as truth. 

How often do you hear of tubercles in our day ! When 
a physician declares a lovely girl to have tubercles on her 
lungs, the mother's heart is stricken to despair; for she 
knows that affliction and desolation must follow. These 
tubercles are an inheritance of the diseases of her fore- 
fathers, j 

foolish parents ! You carefully inquire into the 
family status, the social pedigree, and financial condition 
of the candidate for your daughter's hand, why do you not 
trace his physical pedigree ? Are the offspring of your 
children less to you .than the mere accidents of social in- 
heritance, which a day may reverse, a breath of misfortune 
blow away? Will wealth, will nobility, give strength to 
your rickety children, or life to your consumptive grand- 



MORALLY AND PHYSICALLY DESIRABLE. 371 

child ? Better, much better, that your daughter should 
remain a maiden all her life, better that you should deny 
her the right of marriage, than that she should entail 
disease upon her child, and cause you to be an accessory 
to the crime. In some countries, the baptismal certificate, 
and the certificate of vaccination, are required by Church 
and State. You should require, if not a certificate, at 
least some assurance of health, and a great step will then 
be taken towards providing for your daughter's happiness 
in life, as well as towards improving the human race. 



MARRIAGE MORALLY AND PHYSICALLY DESIRABLE. 

In tracing the functions of each organ, the physiologist 
learns that the Creator has been governed by a purpose, 
and has left nothing to chance. The force that impels 
each organ to act is called a law of Nature, and this law 
cannot be obstructed without doing violence to the organ 
thus restrained. One of these laws is that of reproduction, 
for which are assigned certain organs, with certain func- 
tions, to act and exercise at a period called puberty. Pu- 
berty is that epoch of life particularly characterized by a 
rapid development, completeness of organization, and the 
aptitude to exercise the functions of the sexes in the re- 
production of the species. The age at which man and 
woman arrive at puberty has been treated elsewhere. The 
development of an organ has relation to its functions : the 
functions are the objective aim of the creation of the bodily 
organs, and they cannot be suppressed without doing vio- 
lence to the whole system. The organs of generation are 
completed only when the development of the body is suffi- 
cient to contribute all the elements for their proper use. 
When this period has arrived, necessities arise that did not 
exist before. The boy and the girl, who ; only one year 



372 MARRIAGE. 

before, played together in the innocent games of childhood, 
are now man and woman. The freedom that marked all 
their actions before is now constrained ; and deference 
towards each characterizes the motives of both. Uncon- 
scious of any physiological reason, they look at each other 
timidly, and with an incomprehensible attraction. The 
young man is impelled to acts of gallantry he never thought 
of before. While he had always considered her his equal, 
and would contend with her for the possession of any 
trifling object, now he is inclined to offer her his protection, 
and overwhelm her with delicate attentions. He carries 
her exotic flowers, he studies her inclinations, and quickly 
complies with her wishes. She is not flurried by these 
unusual attentions ; and although she has never been the 
recipient of them before, and hardly understands their im- 
port now, she acquiesces with dignity, and receives his 
homage as a right. With a blush of gratified vanity, she 
thanks him, or with a smile or a look, which are accepted 
by the young man as a full reward for his empressement. 
They now seek one another, and wait for the appearance 
with anxious and sweet expectation. The arrival causes a 
thrill; the sudden, unexpected appearance, a fluttering at 
the heart, delicious to the senses. Ask them why, they do 
not know. Wherefore this metamorphosis ? Older people 
would answer, "They have grown up into man and woman." 
That is conclusive ; but what does it mean ? It means 
this : they, having arrived at the age of puberty, are affected 
by organs that have heretofore remained dormant, the func- 
tions of which affect the whole organism, and set up a new 
moral and physical life. The sex of each has become de- 
fined ; each stands to the other as Nature has ordered ; each 
feels its power, although reason may not be' called upon to 
explain. 

As a guardian of physical welfare, we speak physiologi- 
cally. The vanity of man shrinks from any affiliation with 



MORALLY AND PHYSICALLY DESIRABLE. 373 

the animal : he likes to affect a spiritual essence that places 
him on the highest degree in the scale of creation. But it 
is our duty to tell him that he is an animal, nevertheless, 
governed by laws that even his moral vanity cannot re- 
strain, which, on the other hand, his moral duty commands 
him to understand and to obev. 

V 

Wilful ignorance of the laws that govern the sexes mis- 
leads the moralist into an attempt to defeat the very intent 
of the Creator. He is no less at fault than the conductor 
of a steam-engine, who would take no cognizance of the 
fire. As the fire exists, the question is, not how to ignore 
it, but how to regulate it ; for its extinction would be a 
violation of the purpose of the machine. Moralists should 
be philosophers, else they would be too often at variance, 
and even in antagonism, with physical laws which are 
beyond their control. It is useless to enact impracticable 
regulations ; it is criminal to enforce them. The man who 
attempts it is a Quixote, fighting a windmill. The severe 
moralist is infringing upon the laws of the highest being, 
when he preaches abstinence to a hungry man. 

All the organs need development, nourishment, and exer- \ 
cise alike ; deprive them of any of these, and you do vio- 
lence to them, and the injury is reflected on the whole 
system. Nature follows the intent of the Creator; disre- 
gard her, and she will have her revenge. It is useless to 
say, in defence of total abstinence, that thousands have led 
a life of celibacy without injury to themselves. Thousands 
of such examples would prove a mere hypocrisy. We will 
not soil our page by telling how anchorites have dissembled ; 
we shall not relate how virtue is profaned where it is 
preached. Whether in the convent or the monastery, Nature 
asserts herself; and the violence that is done her is reflected 
upon the violator. Where continence is exercised with 
severity, disease follows. Hysteria, epilepsy, insanity, 
hypochondria, nymphomania, amenorrhoea, chlorosis, dys- 



374 MARRIAGE. 

nienorrhoea, leucorrhoea, headaches, backaches, spasms, 
convulsions, premature decay, hold high carnival among 
the devotees of celibacy. While chastity and modesty are 
cardinal virtues, celibacy is an error. It is said, " Nature 
cares not for moral codes." Rather say, "The voice of 
Nature preaches true morality." The law that impels her 
is the exercise of all her functions and senses ; hence mar- 
riage is a physical necessity and a moral help. „~- 

The code that governs woman in the society of man is 
fearfully severe. While he has his freedom, and gratifies 
his egotism, without binding himself to marriage, she is held 
in abeyance to that code. That her organization is like 
that of man is no argument in her favor. She should not 
feel, or should dissemble ; for civilization has made her the 
guardian and keeper of virtue. The stronger of the sexes 
has asserted his freedom ; the responsibility he has thrown 
on the weaker. What if she languishes under this restraint? 
The moralist will reward her with his approbation. Strange 
inconsistency, unpardonable injustice ! Our declaration will 
probably offend the stern moralist, who demands acquies- 
cence to his theory ; but we speak as a physiologist, and 
must tell the truth. 

When woman's nervous system is disturbed by this self- 
immolation on the altar of virtue, her hysteria, her head- 
aches, backaches, impatience, debility, ill-temper, do not 
excite the sympathy of her associates ; and yet who de- 
serves it more ? The women of the higher class are still 
more exposed to these disorders than those of the lower ; 
for, while the former hold a higher standard of morality 
than the latter, their associations and surroundings are 
more calculated to enhance the senses. Rich diet, rest, 
warmth, romantic literature, balls, recreations of all sorts, 
are stimulating elements ; while hard physical labor drains 
the system of vital force, and is a sedative. Pinel says, 
"What can be done by medical art ; which always looks at 



MORALLY AND PHYSICALLY DESIRABLE. 375 

human nature independently of social institutions, if the 
immutable necessities of fecundity and reproduction are 
perverted ? When, therefore, a young marriageable maiden 
exhibits symptoms of the approach of any disease, she 
should, if possible, be united to the object of her affections." 
This treatment has often proved very successful in averting 
diseases that would have rendered her life one of misery. 

Marriage is, therefore, often a necessity; but, while we 
recommend it, we would urge that woman be sufficiently 
developed, mentally and physically, before she assumes the 
prerogatives of a wife, and the duties of a mother. The 
age at which women arrive at this stage differs, according 
to climates and temperaments ; for while in this country, 
on account of climate and education, woman reaches a fair 
state of maturity from the age of eighteen to twenty-two, 
in the tropical countries, and in Spain, woman is considered 
fully able to bear the duties of wife or mother at the age 
of fourteen, and even earlier. 

Parents who have the welfare of their daughters at 
heart should know and feel that there is something more 
necessary to their health and happiness than riches or 
family pedigrees ; that, while these are important to a cer- 
tain extent, they should never be an absolute reason for 
depriving their daughters of the fulfilment of that law 
which inheres in all humanity. Marriage is a natural 
necessity, and parents should see that their daughters are 
so brought up, that their wants are not so exorbitant as to 
reduce the number of candidates for their hand to a very 
few. For sensible girls, there are thousands of respectable 
young men, who would make worthy and congenial hus- 
bands. Many of the unhappy spinsters whose nerves are 
constantly upsetting their equanimity would become healthy 
matrons, and useful members of society. 

In other parts of this book, we have treated ovulation. 
This process is attended by flows of blood, which congest 



376 MARRIAGE. 

and stimulate the sexual organs ; therefore at such period 
all that tends to enhance the senses should be carefully 
avoided. Ball-rooms, suppers, wines, rich viands, indolence, 
sentimental reading, and all indulgences that provoke jpas- 
sion, should be shunned. These indulgences lead to that 
solitary vice so fatal in both sexes. Physicians know that 
this vice abounds among a class that is least suspected ; and 
we hope we do not outrage public opinion when we state 
that it occurs more often among those who apparently 
maintain the most scrupulous and religious regard for 
modesty and virtue than among others. These creatures, 
who thus sacrifice themselves to their idea of rectitude, can- 
not restrain their natural propensities any more than the 
libertine ; and marriage is the only means that physicians 
can suggest for the welfare of all. 

We plead particularly for woman, to whom we must do 
homage for her well-known virtues and self-government ; 
while man rarely hesitates to break every barrier between 
himself and the object of his gratification. 



PAET VI 



DIETETIC RULES. 



377 



FOOD. 



Pood is required, not only to supply material for the 
growth of the body, but also to restore the wear and tear 
the body undergoes through muscular and mental action. 
A muscle, like a rope, suffers a certain degree of wear 
whenever it is subjected to action ; and it would soon be 
consumed, like a rope, should not its wear and tear be con- 
stantly replaced by new material. The brain, the seat of 
the intellectual faculties and nervous power, undergoes a 
similar wear under the action of thought and nervous mani- 
festation : this loss would greatly impair its power, should 
it not be made up by nerve- and brain-making material. 

The temperature of the body, which is constantly at 98°, 
although the surrounding atmosphere may be below zero, 
is maintained by carbonaceous food, the carbon of which 
goes to the lungs to undergo combustion by means of the 
oxygen of the air ; the consequence of which process is the 
heat required. This temperature of 98° is kept up by a 
supply of carbon in proportion to its need ; should this not 
be done, we should suifer from cold when deprived of it, 
and be overcome by heat when supplied beyond our need. 
Nature, to protect our body from either excess, has caused 
deposits of fat to remain in the body, to be absorbed for 
heat in case of lack of carbonaceous food ; and given us sudo- 
riferous glands, through which the body can be cooled by 
evaporation and perspiration in case we should take more 

carbonaceous food than is needed. 

359 



380 FOOD. 

The want of material to maintain the muscular system 
in its integrity causes the sensation of hunger. The want 
of material to supply the loss of the brain causes a sluggish- 
ness of mental and nervous potver. 

The want of material to supply the lungs with fuel causes 
a sensation of cold. The want of fluid to supply the loss 
of water in the body causes a sensation of thirst. 

The blacksmith who hammers his iron, the carpenter who 
planes his board, uses muscle almost exclusively. Some of 
the muscle is constantly consumed and eliminated by per- 
spiration and urination. Should they continue their mus- 
cular labor without resting to repair the loss by a hearty 
meal of muscle-making material, they would soon, ex- 
hausted, fall to the earth. 

The student in his cell, consuming brain-element in the 
solution of mental problems, while the muscles are in a 
state of quiescence, would soon become insane or idiotic, 
should he not rest to repair the loss by a meal of brain- and 
nerve-making material. 

A walker, consuming muscular element, and throwing off 
a great deal of water in perspiration, would soon become as 
stiff as a board, should he not rest to eat, and to drink water, 
to maintain the suppleness of his muscles. 

Although it is not my purpose to write scientific essays, 
for the object of this volume is to assist practical mothers, 
who have neither time nor opportunity to make philosophi- 
cal studies, I state these facts, as they may enable them to 
make the proper choice of food for their children. 

If man, in the exercise of his physical or mental strength, 
needs a supply adequate to the loss, the child will need a 
supply adequate to its growth. Besides, a child may be 
deficient in muscle, and precocious mentally ; he may be 
lean, grow slowly, and yet show a high degree of mental 
activity. Vice versa, his muscular system may show a 
great development; and his mind very little power : in this 



VARIETIES NEEDED, 381 

case, the child may be very fleshy, well developed, but 
stupid. A ricketjr child lacks bony matter, as is evinced by 
its inability to walk, and by the curving of its limbs when it 
stands. Again : a child who has no brain-work to do, and 
spends its time in running and jumping, will require muscle- 
making material ; while one at school, deeply engaged in 
its studies, will require a constant supply of brain-making 
aliment. 

In providing food for the young, therefore, the above 
suggestions should be borne in mind, so as to be able, as 
far as possible, to supply the proper proportions of the ele- 
ments required. In cases where the system appears properly 
balanced, a diversity of articles can be taken at a meal to 
supply a reasonable quantity of the elements without dis- 
turbing the equilibrium. The appetite, which is the 
language of our need, is rightly satisfied only when just 
enough of each element has been taken to supply the need. 
If a person needs carbonates, he may eat nitrates in great 
quantity, and yet not feel satisfied ; and so, vice versa, one 
needing nitrates would not feel his appetite satisfied by 
eating carbonates in even an excessive quantity. One ele- 
ment over another will only serve to cause indigestion, 
which is the stepping-stone to dyspepsia. Ten ounces of 
carbonates, two and a half of nitrates, one of phosphates, 
will supply the food necessary to a person in a normal state 
for twelve hours. 

The following table, culled from Dr. Bellows's invaluable 
book on the " Philosophy of Eating," will show the propor- 
tions of the different elements contained in articles of food 
in general use : — 



382 



FOOD. 



Vegetable Food, 

Wheat ...... 

Barley 

Oats 

Northern Corn . . . 
Southern Corn . . . 
Buckwheat .... 

Rye 

Beans 

Peas 

Rice 

Potatoes 

Sweot Potatoes . . . 

Apples 

Milk of Cow .... 
Human Milk .... 

Animal Food. 

Veal 

Beef 

Lamb 

Mutton ...... 

Pork 

Chicken 

Eggs, white of . . . 
" yolk of ... . 
Butter . . . . 



NITRATES 



CARBONATES 



Muscle- 
making. 



15. 
17. 
17. 
12. 
35. 

8. 
13. 
24. 
23. 

6. 

1. 

1. 

5. 

5. 

3. 



16. 
15. 
11. 
12. 
10. 
20. 
15. 
17. 



Heat- 
making. 



69. 
69. 
66. 
73. 
45. 
75. 
71. 
57. 
60. 
79. 
22. 
26. 
10. 

8. 

7. 

16. 

30. 
35. 
40. 
50. 
35. 
none. 
28. 
all carbonates. 



PHOSPHATES. WATER 



Bruin- and 
Bone-making. 



1.6 
3.5 
3. 
1. 
4. 
1.8 
1.7 
3.5 
2.5 
.5 
.9 
2.9 
1. 
1. 
.5 



4.5 

5. 

3.5 

3.5 

1.5 

4. 

4. 

5. 



Waste. 



14. 
14. 
13. 
14. 
14. 
14. 
13. 
14. 
14. 
13. 
75. 
67. 
84. 
86. 
89. 



62. 
50. 
50. 
44. 
38. 
73. 
80. 
54. 



VARIETIES DESCRIBED. 383 

Arroiv-root, tapioca, sago, are starchy substances, which 
become converted into sugar in the process of digestion, and 
the sugar into heat-making food. 

All fats, butter, sugar, and flour deprived of the bran, 
are 7iea£-producers. 

Parsnips, turnips, carrots, beets, cabbage, onions, cucum- 
bers, contain such a large excess of water, that they are of 
no use, except to relax the bowels, unless united with other 
food. 

Fish contains an excess of pjhosphates, viz., brain- and 
SoTie-making material, no heating, and a very slight pro- 
portion of muscle-making material. 

All green vegetables and fruits contain water in excess. 

All food containing much water relaxes the bowels, and is 
useful for that purpose when united with other food. 

From this table, we infer that a precocious child should 
not be fed on fish, or such articles as abound in phosphates. 
But a child at school, and consuming brain-material, would 
require fish ; and if, besides, the child is lacking in muscular 
development, barley, oats, beef, &c. 

If a child is lean, cold, and puny, he may require nitrates 
and carbonates ; such as butter, sugar, fats, fat beef, rye, 
corn, buckwheat, oats, barley, &c. 

For a child in good condition, proper proportions of all 
the elements should be maintained in his diet, such as beef 
and potatoes, &c. 

If an article abounds in nitrates and carbonates, another 
abounding in phosphates should be added to his diet. 

In a very cold day, when the child is to go out, buck- 
wheat cakes and molasses would be an excellent prepara- 
tory diet, while it would be a very improper one in a hot 
summer day. 

For a child who plays games, or runs, nitrates and car- 
bonates would be required to keep him in strength and 
heat, — butter, starch, corn. &c. 



384 



FOOD. 



These facts can, by intelligent study of your children, 
and careful thought in applying the consequent rules to 
their cases, be made very useful. We cannot, of course, 
do more than to suggest the mode of such application, as we 
have done above. 



DIET UNDER MEDICAL TREATMENT. 

The tabulated forms given below contain general direc- 
tions for diet while under homoeopathic treatment. This 
is intended for chronic diseases especially, as, in the majority 
of acute diseases, a special diet must be prescribed by the 
physician. 



BEVERAGES. 



ALLOWED. 

Pure water ; toast-water ; gum- 
arabic water ; water sweetened with 
sugar, or mixed with currant jelly ; 
raspberry or strawberry syrup ; 
decoctions of barley, malt, oat- 
meal, rice, dried fruit ; cocoa boil- 
ed with milk or water ; pure plain 
chocolate ; weak black tea. 



FORBIDDEN. 



Coffee, green tea, all spirituous 
liquors, cordials, all mineral wa- 
ters, meal, spruce beer, porter, ale, 
vinegar, wine, acids. 

Vinegar is often a noxious com- 
pound of sulphuric acid. If used 
at all, it should be cider or wine 
vinegar. 



SOUP OR MEAT-BROTHS. 



ALLOWED. 

Broth made from the lean of 
beef, chicken (not young), veal, 
mutton (seasoned only with salt, 
and thickened with arrow-root), 
salep, sago, tapioca, farina, vermi- 
celli, maccaroni, rice, semolina, 
carrots, green peas, pearl-barley, 
and other farinaceous articles. 



FORBIDDEN. 

All highly-seasoned soups, gra- 
vy-soup, ox-tail, turtle, mock-tur- 
tle, giblet, and all soups prepared 
with pepper or other spices. Young 
chicken and egg-soup should be par- 
ticularly avoided in diarrhoea and 
dysentery. 



DIET UNDER MEDICAL TREATMENT. 



385 



MEATS, 



ALLOWED. 

Meat is most wholesome when 
broiled. The lean of rump-steak, 
the lean and pith of the loin and 
neck of mutton. Beef, mutton, 
pigeons, rabbits (broiled preferred), 
are better than any kind Of poultry, 
although plain roasted chickens, 
lean turkey, guinea-fowls, pheas- 
ants, partridges, plovers, quails, 
may be eaten by persons of the 
most delicate digestion. 

Ham, tongue, and venison, 
rarely, and in moderation. 



FORBIDDEN. 

The fat of all meats ; greasy 
meats, such as pork, duck, goose, 
fatted turkey (particularly in dys- 
pepsia). 

All young and white meats, 
such as veal, lamb, pork, &c. 

All salted and preserved meats, 
such as sausages, mince-meat, salt- 
ed pork, bacon, &c. 

Wild duck, goose, black-cock, 
snipe, woodcock, are to be avoided. 



FISH. 



ALLOWED. 

Fresh fish having scales, soles, 
whiting, turbot, brill, codfish, had- 
dock, mullet, trout, smelts, bait, 
perch, flounders. Boiled fish in 
preference to fried. 

Oysters, raw, stewed, or in 
soup, in moderation, and without 
cayenne or black pepper. 



FORBIDDEN. 



All shell-fish, such as lobster, 
crab, oyster (fried), particularly in 
cutaneous affections. 

All fish of oily nature, such as 
salmon, herrings, mackerel ; smok- 
ed or salt fish. 

White fish is inadmissible in dis- 
eases of the kidneys. 

Fish without scales, such as 
eels, frogs, &c. 



VEGETABLES. 



ALLOWED. 

All farinaceous articles, pota- 
toes (except new potatoes to per- 
sons suffering from diarrhoza; in 
young children avoid them alto- 
gether), carrots, turnips, French 
beans, peas, cauliflowers, spinach, 



FORBIDDEN. 

All vegetables which possess 
aromatic or medicinal principle, 
such as parsley, herbs, mint, escha- 
lots, sage, garlic, onions, mush- 
rooms. 

Cucumbers, celery, radishes, 



386 



FOOD, 



ALLOWED. 

parsnips (sparingly), sea-kale, let- 
tuce, tomatoes (plain), beets, hom- 
iny. 

In diarrhoea, avoid vegetables 
as much as possible, particularly 
potatoes, green peas, beans, cab- 
bages. 



FORBIDDEN. 

horse-radish, leeks, thyme, aspara- 
gus. 

All pickles and raw vegetables 
greened with copper. 



FRUITS. 



ALLOWED. 

Fruits, ripe and in their proper 
seasons ; strawberries, raspber- 
ries, currants, grapes, apples, 
peaches, nectarines, boiled chest- 
nuts, stewed prunes, plain pre- 
served fruits, oranges and figs in 
moderation. Indigenous fruits 
preferable to imported ones. 



FORBIDDEN. 

All oily fruits, as nuts, olives, 
almonds, walnuts, &c, raisins, dry 
prunes, dried apples, acid fruits, 
lemon, orange-peel, laurel-leaves, 
peach leaves or kernel, fennel, 
anise, cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, saf- 
ron, mustard. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



ALLOWED. 

Eggs. Milk, after having been 
drawn for a few hours, preferable 
to cream. Fresh butter, fresh 
cheese (except in dyspepsia). 

Sugar and molasses (moder- 
ately). 

Stale bread, or biscuit^/ree from 
pearlash, soda, saleratus, or any 
chemical compound now in vogue 
for the purpose of making it white, 
spongy, and quickly. 

Simple cakes made of flour, 
meal, eggs, and a little butter. 

Light puddings, as bread, rice, 
sago, semolina, and tapioca. 

Calf s-foot jelly, without wine. 



FORBIDDEN. 



Milk just drawn, sour milk, 
rancid or salt butter, old or strong 
cheese. 

Sugar and molasses in diabetes. 
All colored sugar prepared by con- 
fectioners. 

Hot bread, new-baked bread, 
bread containing saleratus, &c. 

Cakes or pastry prepared with 
much butter, lard, honey, ginger, 
or any aroma. 

Fat and aromatic puddings, 
with wine, spices, or rich sauces. 

Mince-pie. 

Ice cream, or ices of any kind, 
immediately after dinner, will de- 
prive the stomach of much heat 
necessary to digestion. 



CAUTIONS AND REGIMEN. 387 



CAUTIONS AND REGIMEN 



Do not resort to any other medicines while using homoe- 
opathic remedies. 

Do not use the same spoon for two different remedies. 

All perfumery and strongly-scented flowers must be ban- 
ished from the bedroom. Keep bedroom clean and well 
ventilated. 

Use no rocking-chairs, as the movement hinders the cure 
of diseases of the abdomen, particularly in women. 

In chest-diseases, wear flannel or silk next the skin. 

In chronic diarrhoea, wear a girdle of flannel around the 
abdomen. 

In rheumatic or neuralgic complaints, silk is better for 
under-garments than flannel or merino. 

Wear no patent-leather or india-rubber shoes : they pre- 
vent evaporation. 

Hoops are tolerated by physicians, because, inasmuch as 
women will wear a certain amount of clothing to obtain a 
certain degree of circumference, the hoop answers this pur- 
pose, and relieves the hip of a great weight. 

Sponge-baths, sitz-baths, and bathing generally, are con- 
ducive to health ; not so, however, with the shower and 
douche baths, which should not be used without permission 
of the physician. 

Eat at regular hours, and moderately, not in a hurry, and 
with a mind free from care or occupation ; else much of the 
nervous fluid required for the functions of the digestive 
organs is burned up in the brain, and digestion becomes 
slow and imperfect. 

In regard to those articles to which the patient has been 
accustomed, or such as would agree with some patients 
through certain peculiarity of constitution, while they would 
not agree with others, the physician must be consulted. 



PAET YIL 



CASUALTIES. 



389 



CASUALTIES. 



FALLS AND BLOWS 

Falls and blows may cause contusions, or bruises, con- 
cussion of the brain, and fractures of bones. 

In very young children, fractures of the long bones are 
almost impossible ; for the animal matter predominates so 
much over the earthy, in their composition, that they are 
very elastic. The semi-flat bones of the skull, however, may 
be fractured, from their very shape. 

Children who fall are more generally liable to severe 
bruises ; but, if they fall upon their heads, they are liable to 
concussion of the brain, which may put their life in immi- 
nent peril. 

CONTUSIONS AND BRUISES 

Indicate that the injured part has been internally lacer- 
ated, while the outer skin has remained unbroken. 

They are caused by a direct blow from a hard, blunt 
body, and by falls. 

At first, they become red, from extravasation of blood 
under the skin ; then they change to a purplish-red and 
greenish-brown, as the blood becomes decomposed before it 
is absorbed again. 

These contusions, or bruises, in healthy subjects, heal 
with considerable rapidity, without leaving marks of the 
injury. 

391 



392 CASUALTIES. 

TREATMENT. 

Cold applications to the injured part will be of great 
service in preventing an inflammation, and in inducing 
quick absorption of the extravasated blood. 

Arnica and water, in proportion of one to ten, applied to 
the injured parts, is almost an acknowledged infallibility. 

A contusion, that, after a few days, shows a disposition 
to disorganize the parts, suppurate, or slough, should be 
dressed with a warm flax-seed-meal poultice, until the pus 
and slough fall off; when Calendula and water, of the 
strength of one to ten, should be applied three or four times 
a day to induce granulation and cicatrization. 

Arnica (3d dilution) should be given internally when 
the fall or injury is considerable. 

Arsenicum or Carbo Vegetabilis (30th dilution) should be 
given three or four times a day when these injuries show a 
disposition to ulcerate and slough. 



CONCUSSION AND COMPRESSION. 

A fall from a height, a violent blow upon the head, may 
cause a jar upon the brain called " concussion ';" and the 
severity of the blow may also cause an extravasation of 
blood within the brain, a compression of the bone, or the 
introduction of a foreign body, which will press on the 
brain, and cause what is technically called " compression" 

It is of the greatest importance to understand the symp- 
toms that distinguish these two classes ; for while in the 
former the danger may only be remote, in the latter it is 
imminent, and requires the immediate presence of a skilful 
surgeon. 

Prof. Gross gives the following diagnostic characters : — 



CONCUSSION. — COMPRESSION 



393 



Concussion. 

1. The symptoms are imme- 
diate, coming on instantly after the 
infliction of the injury. 



2. The patient is able to answer 
questions, although with difficulty. 

3. Special sensation is still going 
on : the patient can hear, see, smell, 
taste, and feel. 

4. The respiration is feeble, im- 
perfect, and noiseless. 

5. The pulse is weak, tremu- 
lous, intermittent, and very fre- 
quent. 

6. There is nausea, and some- 
times vomiting. 

7. The bowels are relaxed, and 
there are even involuntary opera- 
tions. 

8. The power of deglutition is 
impaired, b»t not abolished. 

9. The bladder has the power to 
retain its contents ; but often the 
urine passes off involuntarily. 

10. The voluntary muscles, al- 
though much weakened, are still 
able to contract. 

11. The pupils of the eye are 
usually contracted, and somewhat 
sensible to light:' the lids are 
movable. 

12. The mind is in a state of 
abeyance : it is weak and confused, 
not abolished. 



Compression. 

1. An interval of a few minutes, 
or even of a quarter of an hour, 
sometimes elapses, especially if 
the compression be caused by ex- 
travasation of blood. 

2. The power of speech is total- 
ly abolished. 

3. Special sensation is destroy- 
ed. 

4. The respiration is slow, la- 
bored, noisy, like snoring. 

5. The pulse is very slow and 
irregular. 

6. Stomach quiet, almost insen 
sible to emetics. 

7. The bowels are very torpid, 
and unaffected even by cathartics. 

8. Deglutition is impossible, and 
may not return for several days. 

9. The bladder is paralyzed, 
and therefore incapable of reliev- 
ing itself; the surgeon being oblig- 
ed to use the catheter. 

10. The muscles are paralyzed, 
and generally those on the side 
opposite to the injury. 

11. The pupils are widely fil- 
iated, and unaffected by light ; the 
lids being closed and immovable. 

12. The mind is absent, and 
the patient is comatose. 



The above symptoms show that an injury to the brain is 
serious in the extreme. 

Whenever, after a fall, a child lies listless, or sleeps so 



394 CASUALTIES. 

■ 

heavily that he can hardly be awakened ; is cold, faint, or 
trembling ; has hiccough, nausea, or vomiting ; his pulse is 
small and fluttering, — you may be sure that his brain has 
received such a shock as would require the attendance of a 
surgeon without delay. Children recover from terrible 
falls, yet the above symptoms should arouse the apprehen- 
sion of the parents to a degree that the utmost solicitude 
should be exercised in procuring medical assistance. 

That no precious time should be lost, the attendants 
should apply cold lotions to the head ; and nothing is better 
than Arnica and Water (as mentioned in "Contusions"). 
If the child is faint or cold, a little stimulant may be given, — 
a few drops of brandy or whiskey, a little wine, in some 
water. The Salts of Ammonia may be applied to his nos- 
trils until revived. 

The child should be allowed to remain perfectly quiet. 
No attempt should be made to keep him awake on the 
vulgar supposition that sleep is fatal. 



BURNS AND SCALDS. 

The danger of burns and scalds increases in proportion 
to the extent of the surface they affect, and according to 
the localities in which they occur. Thus, while a burn of 
the size of a silver dollar need not cause serious apprehen- 
sions, one of the size of an ordinary plate will almost surely 
result in death. The burn on a leg or an arm, although 
severe, may not threaten life ; but one over the region of 
the abdomen, heart, lungs, liver, bladder, or head, is gener- 
ally attended by the most alarming consequences. 

Children and very old persons are in greater danger than 
people of a medium age. Burns of any considerable size 
give a shock to the nervous system, from which very young 
and old people seldom recover. 



BURNS AND SCALDS. 395 

Here we will only give the treatment for simple burns or 
scalds, by which we mean burns of a very limited extent ; as 
those occupying a large surface require the immediate pres- 
ence of the physician. 

Of many methods to heal a burn rapid-y, we have found 
that suggested by Prof. Hill very efficient, and ready at 
hand : "Mix a little Rum and Molasses intimately together, 
saturate with it rata cotton or Canton flannel, apply it cold, 
and cover the whole so that the air cannot reach the bumP 
A very good application is also a mixture of Flour, Castile- 
Soap, and Slippery-Elin. 

Every nurse has some method of her own for burns ; but 
the great principle to be observed in the treatment is to 
shield the burned surface from the air ; the air being the 
agent that excites inflammation. 

Should nothing but Castile-Soap be at hand, make a thick 
lather with it, and with a shaving-brush spread it carefully 
over the burn ; as it dries, give another coating, and so on 
another, until it has made a perfect shield over it ; place 
over this some strips of linen, so as to keep it safe from 
accidental displacement. This will excite a little pain at 
first ; but the pain will soon subside, and finally pass away. 

The slippery-elm poultice is a very safe protector ; and, to 
render it still more healing, a little tincture of llrtica llrens, 
slightly diluted in warm water, may be mixed with it. 

In a case where two or three fingers have been burned or 
scalded, care should be taken that each one be dressed sep- 
arately, else they might adhere, and cause a horrible de- 
formity. Whenever the burns are over a joint, attention 
should be paid that the tendons do not become contracted ; 
hence a splint should be applied, and a certain motion prac- 
tised every day, for fear of stiffening of the joint. 

In scalds, the blisters that form should be punctured 
with a fine gold pin, and, when the fluid is let out, treat 
them like burns. 



396 CASUALTIES. 

Large openings should never be made, and the raised 
skin should not be taken off from scald-blisters ; for that 
skin serves as a protection to the inflamed surface under- 
neath. 

The immersion of a burn or scald in hot or cold water 
would better be avoided, although each method has its 
advocates. The dressings as above stated are certainly the 
safest. 

CUTS. 

A cut is the severance of a tissue, caused by a sharp- 
edged instrument. This may be very superficial, or very 
deep, and it may sever an artery in two. In the latter 
case, the bleeding is not only profuse, but will be in jets ; 
and the blood be of a very bright red. When a cut bleeds 
profusely, but in a continuous stream, and the blood that 
flows is of a deep red, we may be sure that the blood is 
venous, from the veins, and the bleeding not dangerous, 
unless a large vein has been divided. 

When the blood spurts out by jets, and is of a very bright 
red, showing that an artery has been wounded, put on a 
ligature, or cause pressure, between the wound and the 
heart : on the contrary, when the bleeding is venous, that 
is, when it flows in a continuous manner, and is of a deep 
red, put the ligature or pressure on the other side of the 
wound ; that is, between the wound and the extremity of 
the limb or part. 

In superficial cuts, or incised wounds, when only the 
capillaries are severed, cold applications may be sufficient 
to arrest the bleeding. The limb should be elevated, so as 
to favor the return of blood to the heart. 

If the bleeding is severe, and is not arrested by cold ap- 
plications, compression should be used, as described above 
with regard to wounded arteries or veins. 



CUTS. 397 

When an artery has been severed, and the bleeding flows 
by jets, in a dangerous degree, the attendants should feel 
for pulsation above the cut, and over the place so found 
place a roller, and press it with a tight bandage until the 
bleeding stops. 

If the wound is on an arm or hand, the pulsation of the 
artery may easily be felt in the upper part of the arm, in 
the neighborhood of the arm-pit. 

If the wound is on a leg or a foot, the pulsation of the 
femoral artery will be felt in the upper part of the femur, 
or thigh, in front, just below the bone of the basin, on a 
line with the genital organs. The roller should be placed 
on it, and tightly bandaged, until the flow of jets is stopped. 

The artery being thus secured, so as to prevent a fatal 
hemorrhage, a surgeon should be called in. 

If a roller is not at hand, a large knot may be made with 
a handkerchief ; place the knot over the pulsating artery, 
and the handkerchief around the limb 5 then twist it, with a 
stick passed through the loop, until the bleeding is stopped. 

Should the attendants not be able to find the pulsation 
or the locality of those arteries, they may cause the com- 
pression, in the manner above described, directly over the 
wound. 

A clean cut is always productive of an easy flow of blood. 

TREATMENT. 

After the arrest of hemorrhage, all dirt, pieces of glass, 
stones, or coagulated blood, should be carefully removed; 
then the earliest coaptation, or bringing-together of the 
divided parts, should be insured. If this is done rightly, 
and shortly after the wound has occurred, the two parts will 
knit together with hardly any inflammation. This is what 
the surgeons call " union by first intention." But if the 
edges of the wound are not put in perfect coaptation, or for- 
eign substances are allowed to remain within, inflammation 



398 CASUALTIES. 

and suppuration will follow, and healing come by a much 
longer and more troublesome process. 

To attain this object in limited wounds, or in wounds 
where the muscles do not contract so much or in such a 
manner as to leave them gaping, any of the well-known 
plasters, such as adhesive-plaster, court-plaster, arnica-plas- 
ter, or calendula plasters, should be so applied as to keep 
the surfaces in perfect coaptation. 

In extensive wounds, and in wounds where the muscles 
contract in direct or indirect manner from the wound, so as 
to prevent the maintenance of perfect union by plasters, a 
stitch, or several stitches, should be placed in such positions 
as to secure that end. 

If saddlers' silk is not at hand, ordinary sewing-silk, 
twisted tivice, and well waxed, may fulfil any ordinary pur- 
pose. After the stitches have been applied, the wound should 
be covered with any of the above plasters, or coated over 
with Collodion, so as to prevent the atmospheric air from 
inducing inflammation. 

PUNCTURES. 

A punctured wound is made by a sharp-pointed instru- 
ment, and may be superficial or deep, according to the length 
of the instrument, or the force used in driving it into the 
body. Such wounds, particularly when deep, are very pain- 
ful, from the fact, probably, that a nerve has been pricked. 

They are generally not dangerous unless they enter the 
cavity of the abdomen, lungs, heart, brain, or other noble 
organs. 

The bleeding is generally very scanty, and the injury does 
not appear proportionate to the pain. Although the major- 
ity of these wounds heal very readily, yet it occurs that 
when a nerve has been severely bruised, after a few days 
Tetanus or Lock-Jaw may suddenly set in. Punctured 



PUNCTURES. — STINGS OF INSECTS. 399 

wounds in the palm of the hand or sole of the foot are more 
liable to take up inflammation, and create great nervous 
disturbance and lock-jaw. 

TREATMENT. 

Extract all foreign bodies from the wound, and wash it 
clean ; stop the hemorrhage, if there is any, by cold- appli- 
cations. Should the wound be very painful, and take up 
inflammation, apply to a surgeon without delay. 

In wounds of the abdomen and chest, the surgeon should 
be immediately called in. 

The application of Arnica, Calendula, or Ledum, as men- 
tioned in other wounds, may be useful. 

If inflammation ensues, with much pain and tension, a 
poultice of Slippery Elm or Ground Flax-Seed, moistened 
with Calendula-Water, should be applied. — Franklin. 



STINGS OF INSECTS. 

The mosquito, bedbug, spider, wasp, bee, hornet, &c, may 
give such stings as would cause a great deal of irritation 
and inflammation. Scrofulous subjects are sometimes seri- 
ously affected by a sting. A sting on the eye, in the mouth, 
or throat, may prove of a very serious nature. Some in- 
sects, like the scorpion and the tarantula, are poisonous in 
the extreme ; and even death has followed in consequence 
of their sting. 

TREATMENT. 

Ammonia and Camphor seem to be good antidotes to the 
poison of insects. Either of those should be applied to the 
wound as early as possible. Prof. Franklin adds to the above 
Lemon-Juice or Olive-Oil. Drs. Hill and Hunt apply with 
success a slice of Raw Onion to the part, the onion to be 
changed every fifteen or twenty minutes. 



400 CASUALTIES. 

Dr. Teste suggests Ledum (15th dilution) as an internal 
remedy. 

If the local inflammation runs high, and spreads, so as to 
show a disposition to erysipelas, Aconite and Belladonna 
should be given alternately every hour or two. Rhus Toxi- 
codendron should replace Belladonna if the erysipelatous 
inflammation shows a disposition to blister. Cantharis is 
another good remedy in blistering erysipelas. 



DROWNING. 

Dr. Marshall Hall's method to revive an asphyxiated 
person : — 

1st. Treat the patient instantly, on the spot, in the open 
air, freely exposing the face, neck, and chest to the breeze, 
except in severe weather. 

2d. In order to clear the throat, place the patient gently 
on the face, with one wrist under the forehead, that all fluid, 
and the tongue itself, may fall forward, and the entrance 
into the windpipe be free. 

3d. To excite respiration, turn the patient slightly on his 
side, and apply some irritating or stimulant agent to the 
nostrils, dilute Ammonia, Camphor, &c. 

4th. Make the face warm by brisk friction ; then dash 
cold water on it. 

5th. If not successful, lose no time, but, to imitate respi- 
ration, place the patient on his face, and turn the body 
gently, but completely, on the side, and a little beyond ; then 
again on the face ; and so on, alternately. Repeat these 
movements, deliberately and perseveringly, fifteen times 
only in a minute. 



DROWNING. — SUFFOCATION CAUSED BY GAS. 401 

When the patient lies on the chest, this cavity is com- 
pressed by the weight of the body, and expiration takes 
place ; when he is turned on the side, this pressure is re- 
moved, and inspiration occurs. 

6th. When tjie prone position is resumed, make a uniform 
and efficient pressure along the spine, removing the pressure 
immediately before rotation on the side. The pressure 
augments the expiration, the rotation commences inspira- 
tion. Continue these measures. 

7th. Rub the limbs upward, with firm pressure, and with 
energy ; the object being to aid the return of the venous 
blood to the heart. 

8th. Substitute for the patient's wet clothing, if possible, 
such other covering as can be instantly procured, each by- 
stander supplying a shawl, a coat, &c. Meantime, and from 
time to time, to excite inspiration, let the surface of the 
body be slapped briskly with the hand. 

9th. Rub the body briskly till it is dry and warm, then 
dash cold water upon it, and repeat the rubbing. 

Avoid the immediate removal of the patient, as it in- 
volves a dangerous loss of time ; also the use of bellows, or 
any forcing instrument ; also the warm bath ; and all rough 
treatment. 

People have been brought to life who had been immersed 
in water from fifteen to forty-five minutes. 



SUFFOCATION CAUSED BY GAS. 

Remove the patient into the fresh air, and cause him to 
inhale stimulants, like Vinegar, Salts of Ammonia, &c. If 

the patient is apparently breathless, apply rules No. 5, 6, 7, 

26 



402 CASUALTIES. 

of Dr. Marshall Hall's treatment for drowning. Dash cold 
water on the face, and, if a boy, on the genitals ; rub dry ; 
then dash cold and warm water alternately on his spine, and 
rub dry again. 

A galvanic battery, if at hand, should be applied, — one 
pole to the back of the upper vertebrse of the neck, the 
other to the heart. 

CHOKING. 

A substance, a piece of meat or some other, may wedge 
itself in the pharynx, or upper part of the gullet, threaten- 
ing immediate suffocation. 

Extract the article, if possible ; if too far down, or if of 
a substance of harmless nature, push it down with the index- 
finger, or with the blunted end of an india-rubber knitting- 
needle, or a whalebone, or any thing blunt and elastic that 
may accomplish the purpose. As these things may pass by 
the obstruction without pushing down, tie to the end of the 
needle or whalebone a small piece of sponge well oiled, and 
then force it down. 

If the patient breathes, tickle his palate, or give a little 
mustard and water, and make him vomit. If he cannot 
swallow, a little Extract of Lobelia held in the mouth will 
induce vomiting very quickly. 

" When suffocation seems to have taken place, remove all 
tight clothing from around the neck and body, put the head 
and neck high, and give an injection through the rectum of 
a pint of Water containing a drop of Opium. Eub the limbs 
upwards briskly, and apply heat to the feet." — Marcy So 
Hunt. 



PAET VIII. 



POISONS. 



403 



DOMESTIC TREATMENT OF POISONING. 



In all cases of poisoning, vomiting should be induced 
without delay with the means ready at hand ; e.g., thrust- 
ing the index-finger down the throat, tickling the throat 
with a feather, drinking large draughts of warm water, 
putting snuff mixed with salt on the tongue, injecting 
tobacco-smoke into the rectum. If these means fail, then 
select from the following list the proper emetic. 



EMETICS. 

Ipecac. From 15 to 30 grains in warm water ; 3 to 5 
grains in young children. 

Lobelia (Indian Tobacco). Prom 5 to 20 grains in warm 
water ; 2 to 5 grains in young children. 

Sanguinaria (Blood-root). From 10 to 20 grains. San- 
guinaria is slightly narcotic ; 2 to 5 grains in young chil- 
dren. 

Mustard in powder is a stimulating emetic ; good in 
narcotic poisons. 

Tartar-Emetic. From 2 to 3 grains in warm water ; 1 
grain in young children. This drug should be used only 
in extraordinary cases, as it disturbs the system too much. 
Ipecac is preferable to tartar-emetic in narcotic poisons. 

405 



406 DOMESTIC! TREATMENT OF POISONING. 

Sulphate Of Zinc. Prompt and powerful emetic, causing 
but little nausea, chiefly used in narcotic poisons. Medium 
dose, 10 grains ; in narcotic poisons from 20 to 30 grains. 
From 2 to 5 grains in young children. 

Sulphate of Copper. Still more powerful ; used in nar- 
cotic poisons. Medium dose from 2 to 3 grains ; in narcotic 
poisons from 5 to 15 grains. There is danger of causing 
inflammation of the stomach by an overdose. From one- 
half to one grain in young children. 



GENERAL ANTIDOTES. 

Coffee. Strong black coffee against all narcotic poisons, 
such as Opium and its preparations ; Morphine, Laudanum, 
Paregoric, &c. ; Nux-vomica ; Strychnine ; Stramonium ; 
Sumach; Bitter Almonds; Prussic Acid; Belladonna ; 
Colocynth / Valerian ; Hemlock ; Cicuta ; Antimony ; 
Phosphorus ; Phosphoric Acid. Drowsiness ; intoxication ; 
loss of conciousness ; delirium. 

Camphor. Against vegetable poisons, especially the cor- 
rosives, such as Croton-Oil, &c, and whenever they cause 
vomiting, diarrhoea, pale face, coldness of the extremities, 
loss of consciousness. . Against venomous insects, as the 
Spanish fly, the wasp, the bee, the hornet, the centipede, 
the scorpion, the tarantula, &c. Against all vermifuges ; 
tobacco, bitter almonds ; all fruits containing Prussic acid, 
acids, salts, metals, phosphorus, mushrooms. 

liquor Amnionic (Hartshorn). Against all narcotic 
poisons, and the bites of serpents, dogs, &c. 

Olive Oil. Good against the effects of corrosive acids, but 
injurious as against the bad effect of venomous insects. 



GENERAL ANTIDOTES. — SPECIFIC POISONS. 407 



Soaps, and the White of Egg. Of soap dissolved, one 
teacupful every two or three minutes against metallic poi- 
sons, such as Arsenic, Lead, Copper, &c. ; efficacious against 
corrosive acids, as Nitric, Sulphuric, &c. Also against 
Alum, the corrosive sap of plants, Castor- Oil, &c. The 
white of an egg, uncooked, every ten minutes. Injurious 
against alkaline poisons, as Lixivium (lye), Potas'sa, Soda, 
Oil of Tartar, Muriate of Ammonia, Sub-carbonate of Am- 
monia, slacklime, quicklime, Baryta. 

Sugar (eau sucree). Efficacious in poisoning by colors, 
Verdigris, Copper, and its preparations ; Alum, &c. Also 
against corrosive juices. White of Egg or Soap-Suds may 
be administered afterwards. 

Vinegar. Against alkaline substances (vinegar must be 
made from wine or beer). Very injurious as against min- 
eral acids, corrosive sap, Arsenic, and many salts. Useful 
against narcotic substances, Aconite, Opium, Mushrooms, 
Stramonium, Hepar sulphuris, poisonous fish, acids. 



SPECIFIC POISONS, 

THEIR ANTIDOTES, TREATMENT, AND TESTS. 

Culled from Dr. Waring' s Treatise on " Poisons, their 
Antidotes and Treatment " : — 

Arsenic. Symptoms. — Violent burning in the stomach 
and bowels ; tenderness ; retching ; vomiting ; dryness and 
tightness of the throat ; unquenchable thirst ; hoarseness ; 
difficulty of speech; 'diarrhoea, with yellowish, greenish, 
bloody stool ; tenesmus ; burning pain in the bladder ; dif- 
ficult emission of urine ; convulsions ; cramps ; cold clammy 



408 DOMESTIC TREATMENT OF POISONING. 

sweat 5 livid and collapsed countenance ; eyes red and spar- 
kling; delirium; death. 

Treatment. — Apply stomach-pump if at hand ; if not, 
give Sulphate of Zinc, from 20 to 30 grains, in water, to an 
adult , from 5 to 20 to a child, to induce vomiting. Follow 
up the emetic with Hydrated Peroxide of Iron, diffused 
through water, or the Carbonate of Iron, or Iron Rust in fine 
powder, every five or ten minutes until relieved. Give the 
preparations of iron, even if the patient has not vomited, 
or an emetic is not at hand. 

Fowler's Solution of Arsenic. — For this preparation, 
Lime-water should be given in copious draughts. 

Iodide of Arsenic. — Solution of starch. 

For other preparations of Arsenic. — Emetics, diluents, 
demulcents. Counter irritation may be used to allay the 
spasm and violent pain in the stomach. 

Test for arsenic should be made by a chemist. 

Corrosive Sublimate, and other preparations of Mercury. 
Symptoms. — Harsh metallic, astringent taste, burning pain 
in the stomach, vomiting and purging of bloody matter ; 
sometimes irritation of the urinary organs, or suppression of 
urine ; breathing quick and catching ; burning and tight- 
ness of the throat as to prevent speech; face generally 
flushed, with swollen and sparkling eyes ; later, livid face, 
stupor, convulsions, and death. 

Antidotes. — Albumen; the white of egg; milk; 
wheaten-flour beaten up in water. Animal charcoal. 
The white of one egg will counteract the effect of four 
grains of Corrosive Sublimate. 

Tests. — Liquor potassse gives a yellow precipitate; 
ammonia, a white one ; lime-water, an orange one. If a drop 
of the solution of Mercury be placed on a piece of gold, 
and be touched with a knife or an iron key, the Mercury 
will amalgamate with the gold, and produce a white spot. 



SPECIFIC POISONS. 409 

Copper and its compounds ; artificial Verdigris ; food 
cooked in dirty copper vessels ; pickles made green by cop- 
per. Symptoms. — Similar to Arsenic and Mercury. 
Violent abdominal pains ; coppery evacuations ; convulsions, 
palsy of the limbs, tetanus. A very common symptom of 
poisoning by copper is Jaundice. 

Antidotes. — White of egg, followed by mucilaginous 
drinks, milk, wheaten-flour, &c. Sugared water is recom- 
mended. Iron-filings in gum-water is a very efficient 
remedy. Animal charcoal should be given immediately 
after partaking of the copper. 

Tests. — Ammonia gives a blue precipitate 5 an excess of 
Ammonia will give a rich blue color. A bright iron bar intro- 
duced into a solution of copper and ammonia will occasion 
a separation of the copper in a metallic state, which depos- 
its itself on the iron. 

Prussic Acid. Oil of bitter almonds. Laurel-water. 
Symptoms. — Nausea, giddiness, prostration, hurried pulse ; 
weight and pain in the head ; eructations having the odor 
of peach-kernel ; spasms, tetanus 5 contracted pupils ; con- 
vulsions; death. 

Antidotes. — Ammonia not concentrated. Brandy; a 
solution of Chlorine ; cold douches over the chest and head. 
Electricity ; the vapor of ammonia. 

Tests. — Nitrate of Silver gives a white precipitate ; Salts 
of Iron, a blue. 

Acids. Acetic, Citric, Muriatic, Sulphuric, Tartaric, Oxal- 
ic. Symptoms. — Sour acrid taste 5 burning in the throat, 
increased by pressure, by swallowing or coughing. Excru- 
ciating pain in the stomach ; excoriation of the parts 
touched. The matter vomited effervesces if mixed with 
Carbonate of Lime. The countenance is glazed ; extremi- 
ties cold and clammy ; death. 



410 DOMESTIC TREATMENT OF POISONING. 

Antidotes. — The Carbonates of Soda, Potassa, Lime, 
and Magnesia, may be used indiscriminately for Acetic, 
Citric, Muriatic, Sulphuric, and Tartaric Acids. For Nitric 
and Oxalic Acids, the Carbonates of Magnesia and Lime 
only can be employed toith safety. In the case of Sulphuric 
Acid, water should not be drunk, for it creates too much heat. 

Tests. — Baryta will throw a white precipitate when 
united with Sulphuric Acid. Nitrate of Silver does the 
same with Muriatic Acid. Copper will induce orange- 
colored fumes when united with Nitric Acid. Citric Acid 
blackens when heated. Lime-water throws down a white 
precipitate when united with Tartaric Acid and Oxalic 
Acid. Litmus-paper turns red when dipped in solutions 
containing acids. 

Alkalies and their salts. Ammonia, Potassa, Caustic 
Potash, and Liq. Potassce, Carbonate of Potassa (Pearl- 
ash), Salt of Tartar, Nitrate of Potassa (Saltpetre), Sul- 
phuret of Potassa (Liver of Sulphur), Soda. 

Symptoms. — Violent caustic, acrid taste ; great heat in 
the throat, with destruction of the lining membrane ; diffi- 
cult and painful deglutition; vomiting of bloody matter, 
which turns the yellow of Turmeric into a bluish brown ; 
acute pain in the stomach, cold sweats, weakness, hiccough, 
violent colic pains, with purging of bloody stools, and mem- 
branous flakes ; death. 

Antidotes. — The vegetable acids ; Vinegar, lemon-juice, 
Citric and Tartaric in solution. The fixed oils, as Castor, 
Linseed, Sweet-almond, Olive, form soap with the free alka- 
lies, and destroy their caustic effect. 

Tests. — Turmeric paper becomes bluish when dipped 
in alkaline solutions. Carbonates of the Alkalies are 
known by their effervescence with an acid. 

Lead. Acetate of Lead, Sugar of Lead, Carbonate of 



SPECIFIC POISONS. 411 

Lead, Wliite Lead, Water kept in lead vessels, Acid food 
cooked and left in lead vessels. Symptoms. — Similar to 
other irritant poisons ; hut constipation is present instead 
of diarrhoea. Spasms of the alimentary canal. Painter's 
colic. Complete paralysis ; scanty urine ; gloomy, anxious 
countenance; giddiness; torpor ; coma ; convulsions ; death. 

Antidotes. — The Sulphates of Soda and Magnesia in 
solution, given freely. Dilute Sulphuric Acid is also recom- 
mended. 

Tests. — The Sulphates and Carbonates poured into 
soluble Salts of Lead will produce a white precipitate ; Iodide 
of Potassium, a yellow precipitate. 

Glass or Enamel. Symptoms. — If taken in coarse pow- 
der, it produces irritation and inflammation of the howels. 

Treatment. — Large quantities of crumhs of bread 
should be eaten to envelope the particles. Then from ten 
to twenty grains of Sulphate of Zinc should be given to 
cause ejection of the whole. 

Chloroform, Sulphuric Ether. Treatment. — Artificial 
respiration ; alternate pressure on the chest and abdomen ; 
fresh air ; galvanism, inhalation of the vapor of ammonia ; 
brandy ; cold douche on the spine. 



VEGETABLE POISONS. 

Irritants. Bryonia, Croton-Oil, Colocynth, Cubebs, Phy- 
tolacca, Poke, Pulsatilla, &c. Symptoms. — Acrid, pun- 
gent taste ; heat and dryness of the mouth and throat ; 
violent and continued vomiting ; purging with great pain 
in stomach and bowels ; pulse strong and frequent ; quick or 
difficult breathing ; tightness of the throat ; appearance of 
intoxication; pupil often dilated; insensibility; pulse be- 
comes slow, and death follows. 



412 DOMESTIC TREATMENT OF POISONING. 

If applied externally, many of them produce inflamma- 
tion, eruption and vesication (blistering) of the skin. 

Treatment. — Vomiting by warm water, or Zinc Sul- 
phate : follow it up by a purgative. When the poison is 
thrown off, give strong coffee, or vinegar and water. When 
insensibility occurs, give camphor, and make brisk frictions 
over the body. Animal charcoal should be given imme- 
diately after partaking of the poison, as it antidotes the 
alkaloids. 

Bromine, Chlorine, Iodine, are also said to be antidotes. 

Acro-tf arcotics. Aconite (Monkshood), Belladonna (Night- 
shade), Brucea (Ang. bark), Ipecac, Cicuta (Water-Hem- 
lock), Colchicum, Conium (Spotted-Hemlock), Stramonium 
(Thorn-apple), Digitalis (Foxglove), Helleborus, Camphor, 
Lobelia, Tobacco, Rhus (Sumach), Ignatia, Secale (Ergot), 
Nux Vomica, Veratrum, &c. Symptoms. — Similar to the 
irritants ; but this class are particularly attended with vio- 
lent delirium and incoherence. 

Treatment. — Vomiting, as in the irritants. Cannabis 
Indica is recommended as a sedative ; it may be given by 
drop doses after the stomach is free. Animal charcoal is 
very efficient. Tannin is also recommended. Bromine, 
Chlorine, and Iodine are considered antidotes. 

Narcotics. Hyoscyamus (Henbane), Opium, Laudanum, 
Paregoric, Poppy, Cherry Laurel, &c. Symptoms. — 
Taken internally, or applied to a wound : stupor, numbness ; 
heaviness in the head ; desire to vomit ; a sort of intoxica- 
tion; stupid appearance; pupil dilated; delirium; con- 
vulsions of different parts of the body ; palsy of the 
limbs ; pulse variable ; breathing quick ; anxiety, dejec- 
tion, death. 

Treatment. — The poison should be removed by the 
stomach-pump, and vomiting excited by means of emetics. 



POISONOUS MUSHROOMS. 413 

Give large injections of soap and water, or salt and water, 
and- then an active purgative. After the emetic has ejected 
the poison from the stomach, give a teacupful of strong hot 
coffee. Keep the patient aroused; do not allow him to 
sleep ; walk him. Dash cold water on his spine, on the 
genitals, on the head. 

Bromine, Chlorine, and Iodine are said to be antidotes to 
the alkaloids. 



POISONOUS MUSHROOMS. 

Symptoms. — Nausea, heat, pain in the stomach and 
bowels, with vomiting and purging; thirst, convulsions, 
fainting ; pulse small and frequent ; delirium ; dilated pupil 
and stupor ; cold sweats and death. 

Poisonous Mushrooms grow in wet, shady places ; have a 
nauseous odor ; are softer, more open, and porous than the 
wholesome kind ; have a dirty-looking, sometimes a gaudy 
surface ; they have soft bulbous stocks, grow rapidly, and 
corrupt very quickly. 

Treatment. — Vomit with Tartar Emetic ; follow it up 
by frequent doses of Glauber's Salt, and large stimulating 
injections. After the stomach is evacuated, give small 
quantities of brandy and water. 



POISONOUS FISH. 

Symptoms. — Shortly after eating the fish, a weight at 
the stomach comes on, with vertigo, headache, heat about 
the head and eyes, much thirst, an eruption of broad patches, 
urticaria on the skin, hives. 

Treatment. — Erom 10 to 20 grains of Sulphate of Zinc 
for an emetic, or promote vomiting by large draughts of 



414 DOMESTIC TREATMENT OF POISONS. 

warm water. For the prostration, brandy and water, 
ammonia, or vinegar and tvater. If spasms come on, 
Laudanum, five-drop doses. 

Subsequent inflammations or disorders should be treated 
by a competent physician. 



PART IX. 



MEDICINES. 



415 



PREPARATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF 
HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES. 



HOMOEOPATHIC THEORIES AND INFINITESIMAL 
DIVISIBILITY OF MATTER. 

The homoeopathic remedies are given in tincture, which 
is a solution of the drug in alcohol; in trituration, which 
is the drug triturated, or reduced to fine powder by rubbing, 
with a certain proportion of sugar of milk; in globules, 
which are made from sugar of milk and starch, and after- 
wards impregnated with the solution of the drugs, two or 
three drops of the solution being sufficient to medicate a 
two-drachm phial of globules. The globule is only used as 
a conveyer of medicine in an infinitesimal quantity : it con- 
stitutes a neat, convenient, reliable mode of administering 
homoeopathic remedies, particularly to infants, who gener- 
ally rebel against taking massive doses of nauseous drugs. 

Potency is the term used to express the proportion of the 
original drug in the tinctures, dilutions, or triturations. 

The Mother -tincture is the first proportion of a drug in 
solution, and is marked "ft 

From the tinctures are made the Dilutions, as follows : 
ten drops of the tincture to ninety drops of alcohol make 
the first dilution on the decimal scale, and is marked l. x . 
One drop of the tincture to ninety-nine drops of alcohol 
makes the first dilution on the centesimal scale, and is 
marked l. c . From the 1st dilution is made the 2d ; from the 
2d, the 3d, and so on, adding to the number of drops 
the above said proportion of alcohol. 

417 



418 H0MCE0PATH10 THEORIES. 

To attenuate trituration, the following method is adopted : 
Take of the drug ten grains, of sugar-of-milk ninety grains ; 
triturate them together for a given time ; this makes the 1st 
trituration, or attenuation, marked l. x or l. c , according as 
the proportion of the drug is on the decimal or centesimal 
scale. The 2d, 3d, &c, are a continuation of the same 
system as spoken of in diluting medicine. 

The theory that the infinitesimal division of the particles 
or atoms, and the attrition caused by the shaking of the 
bottles containing the particles in solution, and the trit- 
urating process, evolves a stronger dynamic force to the 
drugs, has led men to spend their lives in preparing dilutions 
and triturations, and they have gone so far as to make the 
40,000th dilution of one remedy. 

The homoeopath claims that dynamisation, or the un- 
limited division of particles, evolves a latent force which is 
withheld by the cohesion of particles or atoms within sub- 
stances in massive form. For example : suppose a piece 
of iron one inch square ; within that cubic inch of iron 
there are many particles which could not be acted on by an 
external agent, and which could exercise no chemical or 
therapeutical effect on surrounding matter. But if that 
square inch of solid iron is divided into a million of particles, 
each particle having a surface, there will be a million of 
surfaces to act, or be acted on, instead of one, as in the case 
of the primitive cubic inch of iron, which, although much 
larger than the subdivided ones, must be infinitely smaller 
than the aggregate area of the million of surfaces spoken 
of. To further illustrate this, suppose the cubic inch to be 
a mass of gold. Six square inches would be its surface, yet 
the gold-beater could roll it into a leaf whose area of sur- 
face would probably amount to hundreds of square feet 5 and 
the leaf itself having two surfaces, even this immense area 
would be doubled. In this way, a substance which is 
almost inert in a massive dose may become powerful and 



DIVISIBILITY OF MA TTER. 419 

efficient in small doses of divided atoms. Beside this latent 
force thus obtained by the division of matter into infinitesi- 
mal small atoms, the homoeopath claims that there is another 
force evolved by the attrition between the atoms, caused by 
the rubbing of them together in the act of trituration, or 
by the shaking of the bottle containing many particles in a 
fluid form. As electricity and heat is a force often evolved 
by attrition, so it is claimed that the inherent power of 
drugs may be evolved by the attrition of the particles. 

The indefinite division of matter has been and is now 
a subject of contention among scientific men : some main- 
tain that matter is divisible only to a certain point, others 
to an indefinite degree. Materialists, whose name is 
legion among scientific men, declare that matter is lost and 
totally ineffective when it can no longer be discovered by 
chemical tests. This reasoning is quite illogical ; for who 
could be convinced of the non-existence of prussic acid- in a 
gallon of water in which one has dropped a drop, by the 
argument that it could not be traced by chemical tests ? 
And is not this very inability to discover it rather a proof 
that that drop has subdivided itself in such small atoms 
as to be beyond the present power of chemistry? And, 
if the atom is so reduced in size as not to give evidence of 
its presence when acted on by chemical tests, is that to be 
taken as a proof that it is not of sufficient size to affect 
the human organism, so infinitely more susceptible than 
inorganic matter ? How large is the size of an atom of the 
virus of the small-pox that communicates such virulent dis- 
ease to man ? Has any chemist or philosopher been able 
to define its size ? No. The chemists and professors of 
the Academy of Paris have caused fifty of the worst cases 
of confluent small-pox to be collected in one room ; then 
every window and door was shut. When the atmosphere 
was well impregnated with the poison, they brought enor- 
mous glass jars, in which they collected that foul atmos- 



420 EOMCEOPATHIC THEORIES. 

phere; then they applied all known scientific tests to 
discover an atom which they could proclaim as the virus, 
or the poison: but they were sadly defeated. Nothing, 
absolutely nothing, was found. Yet take one of those 
materialists who believe only in the bulk of matter, hand 
him a letter that has been touched by a small-pox patient, 
and he will drop it as if terrified at the contagion it might 
convey. Is this not a contradiction ? If God in his wis- 
dom has willed it that matter, so refined in size as to be 
inappreciable to the senses, should be so violent in its physi- 
ological effects, is it illogical to suppose that he willed it also 
that matter in the same refined state should exert a curative 
effect on the human organism ? 

To prove further the infinite divisibility of matter and 
the immense power of an inconceivably small atom, I offer 
here a test, which I am very fond of exhibiting. It is well 
known that nitric acid pure will burn up iron almost as 
readily as fire does wood. Yet take a cup full of nitric acid ; 
on the edge of the cup hold with the left hand a leaf of 
platinum ; with the other hand take an iron bar, a knit- 
ting-needle if you choose; glide it by the platinum, so 
as to just touch it while lowering the iron into the nitric 
acid, — and that fearfully destructive agent will be rendered 
inert, and the iron enjoy its bath without injury. This 
experiment can be carried further. When the iron bar 
is in the nitric acid, and there remains unaffected, the 
platinum can be removed, and another iron bar introduced 
into the acid, taking care, however, to glide it by the first 
bar, and gently touch it in immersion ; then add another, 
and many more bars, in the same way ; and one and all will 
remain unattacked by the acid. Now, I ask, how much 
platinum has been conveyed to the first bar that protected 
it so well ? And, as it can be proved that that operation 
can be done a thousand times without diminishing the size 
and weight of the platinum, can any one tell of the size 



THEORY OF DYNAMIC FORCE. 421 

and weight of that atom? Moreover, that atom, so incon- 
ceivable in size, mnst have subdivided itself into as many- 
atoms as there were atoms of iron, else those atoms which 
had not received some of its property would have been burnt 
by the acid. And as there were millions of atoms of iron, 
when compared to the inconceivably small loss of the platinum 
in the acid, how large was the final atom of platinum that 
had, nevertheless, sufficient size and power to protect each 
atom of iron ? This experiment proves, not only the infini- 
tesimal division of matter, but the power of an infinitesimal 
small atom on a surrounding agent. Some may prefer to 
call that the property of the platinum, thus conveyed to the 
iron, instead of an atom of matter, as I call it ; but that is 
only a question of names, which does not change the fact 
and the result. If this is possible with inorganic matter, 
why could it not be so with an organized being, which, 
by its nervous system, is so much the more susceptible ? 

I will not trouble the reader any further with arguments 
to prove that matter can be effective in therapeutics, or as 
a healing agent, even if given in infinitesimally small doses ; 
for experience has already proved it beyond any doubt. 
But I may repeat the words of Hahnemann to those who are 
sceptical of every thing they cannot explain : " This is not 
one of those propositions which can be comprehended, nor 
do I ask that it should be blindly credited. I do not com- 
prehend it either; but the truth is as I have stated. This 
is a matter of experience, in which I have more confidence 
than in my own comprehension." 

"From the theory of dynamic force, thus evolved by divis- 
ion and attrition of the atoms of the drugs, sprung the 
practices of high and low dilutions; low dilutions repre- 
senting those made from the crude drug to the 6th dilution, 
or attenuation ; and high dilutions, those made from the 6th 
upwards. These conventional terms express only the pro- 
portion of the drug to the number of dilutions, or attenua- 



422 HOMCEOPATHW THEORIES. 

tions, or the greater or lesser sub-division of the particles, 
and have attached the name of " high dilutionist " or " low 
dilutionist" to the physician, who, in his practice, makes 
an exclusive use of high or low dilutions. 

This immense range of dilutions is still a vexed question 
amongst homoeopathic practitioners. 

Hahnemann commenced as a low dilutionist ; that is, he 
gave medicines, which, although in infinitesimal quantity 
when compared to the old system, had perceptible bulk and 
taste. When convinced that such a small quantity of a 
drug would produce great salutary effects, he continued in 
his experiments by reducing even those doses to a smaller 
scale, or sub-dividing still further the particles ; diluting and 
attenuating as above described. His earnest and philo- 
sophical researches were rewarded by the discovery that 
disease would often yield to a very attenuated dose, as the 
12th and 30th, when it would not yield to a stronger one, 
as the tincture, the first or second ; and vice versa. 

As he rose to the 30th, quantity seemed almost to have 
disappeared as a property of the drug ; and here commenced 
that beautiful reasoning of dynamic forces that has made 
millions of disciples. Experience taught him that he was 
right ; and although ridicule assailed him from every corner 
of the earth, and persecution drove him from home and 
country, his theory and practice gained adherents, and is 
now the orthodox faith of millions of the most enlightened 
people in the world. 

This question of attenuation and dynamic force is of such 
magnitude, that it may take centuries before the practition- 
ers of homoeopathy can settle upon a certain degree of 
attenuation that will be accepted by all as the recognized 
quantity that will produce the most salutary effects. It 
probably will never be settled ; for the medicinal effects must 
depend upon the various constitutions, susceptibility of the 
patients, upon the effect of climates, seasons, habits, age, 



LOSE, 423 

&c. Experience only can teach us that which must vary 
with different patients. 

This difficulty., fortunately, does not essentially affect the 
practice of homoeopathy ; for it is known and undisputed 
among homoeopathic physicians, that drugs given according 
to the law of " similia similibus curantur," in an indefinite 
small dose, will produce more curative results than the 
massive doses of the old school under the principle of 
"contraria contrariis curantur." 

The law of "similia similibus curantur" imposes also the 
necessity of the small dose for the following reason : — 

If a man takes thirty drops of the tincture of Belladonna, 
and in consequence of it is taken with a rush of blood to 
the head, congestion of the eyes, swelling of the face, &c, 
it would not take a man of much learning to understand, 
that, if the same person is taken with the above symptoms 
from other causes than the use of Belladonna, thirty drops 
of the tincture of Belladonna administered to him would 
greatly aggravate the symptoms. But, as we know by ex- 
perience that Belladonna will cure such a case, the question 
arises, what dose of Belladonna would do so. Let us try 
one drop: we find that one drop aggravates the case. 
Let us try the one hundredth part of a drop ; if this also 
aggravates the case, let us try the one thousandth, and so 
on until we find the potency that will cure. This will ex- 
plain the necessity of small doses, comparatively speaking, 
in homoeopathy ; how small, only experience in the various 
doses, modified, as they must be, by temperaments, &c, can 
teach us. 

This will explain, also, the fact, so often ridiculed by 
" ignoramuses," that a child can swallow while in perfect 
health a phial full of medicated homoeopathic globules 
without injury to itself. They say, " If it cannot hurt, it 
cannot cure." They forget that those globules contain only 
one drop or two of a diluted medicine, which would be 



424 ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES. 

curative in a diseased system, but which could have no 
poisonous effects on a healthy organization. 



DOSE. 

The average dose which we recommend in domestic prac- 
tice is the following : — 

The attenuations and dilutions from the 3d to the 6th. 
In cases treated of in this book, where I think higher or 
lower attenuations requisite, I suggest it in the proper 
place ; that is, in the treatment of particular diseases or 
symptoms. 

For an infant under two years of age, two globules of 
the above-mentioned attenuations will be sufficient. 

For a child from two to ten, four globules. 

For older persons, six globules. 

When the medicines are administered in solution : — 

For an infant under two years of age, put one drop of 
the medicine into ten teaspoonfuls of water, and give one 
teaspoonful for a dose. 

For a child from two to ten, four drops; dose the same. 

For older persons, six drops; dose the same. 

Triturations, or medicines used in powder-form : — 

For an infant under two years of age, as much as the 
size of a small pea. 

For a child from two to ten, as mush as the size of a 
medium sized pea. 

For older persons, as much as the size of a large pea. 



REPETITION OF THE DOSE. 

In the " Theory and Practice " of Drs. Marcy and Hunt, 
the following acceptable rules are found : — 



REPETITION OF THE DOSE, 425 

" In violent and dangerous acute diseases, like cholera, 
asphyxia, croup, diphtheria, convulsions, inflammation of the 
brain, lungs, or stomach, &c, the remedies should be 
repeated as often as every fifteen, twenty, or thirty minutes, 
until an aggravation, or a perceptible amelioration, of the 
symptoms is apparent ; when the medicines should be given 
further apart, or omitted as long as the amendment con- 
tinues. If new symptoms appear, or the old ones are only 
partially alleviated, a more appropriate remedy should be 
selected, according to the symptoms then present. 

" In less urgent cases of acute diseases, it will be sufficient 
to repeat the remedy every four, six, or eight hours, until 
an aggravation occurs, or an amelioration of the symptoms, 
which points towards a cure." 

A medicinal aggravation is always followed by an ame- 
lioration of the symptoms; thus, if, soon after taking a 
medicine, the symptoms become aggravated, wait for two 
or three hours, according to the intensity of the case, until 
the patient appears better ; if the amelioration continues, 
you need not give another dose ; if only temporary, resume 
the remedy in a weaker form ; but, if the patient gets 
worse after each dose, change the remedy for one more 
suitable to the case. 

" In chronic maladies, the remedy may be repeated once 
in twelve or twenty-four hours, until an impression is per- 
ceptible." When an amendment is obtained from a dose, 
it is better to wait and see if that amendment continues 
before giving another. 

If one single remedy is not found that covers all the 
symptoms, another one should be selected that contains the 
rest of the symptoms ; and the two may be given in alterna- 
tion. This is especially necessary in acute diseases. If a 
remedy produces certain curative results, but other symp- 
toms remain unaffected, the remedy should be changed for 
another more appropriate. 



REMEDIES. 



In making up cases of the medicines that are to accom- 
pany this book, the homoeopathic pharmacist may put up 
such potencies as the buyer prefers, although the author 
would suggest that a box for general use in a family should 
contain remedies of the 3d dilution, or trituration. In 
regard to those remedies the potency of which is indicated, 
the pharmacist may duplicate them ; e.g., a vial of Sulphur, 
3d, and one of the 30th, or the 200th, as the case may be. 



COMPLETE LIST 
OF THE HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES USED IN THIS BOOK. 



A. 


Bromine, 


ClNA, 


Aconite, 


Bryonia. 


COFFEA, 


Agnus Castus, 




Colchicum, 


Aloes, 


C 


COLOCYNTH, 


Allium Sat., 


Cactus Grandiflora, 


COLLINSONIA, 


Aluminum, 


Calcarea Carb. 


Conium Mac, 


Antimonium Crudum, 


Cannabis Sat., 


Coralia Rubra., 


Apis Mel., 


Calendula, 


Cuprum Acet., 


Arsenicum, 


Camphor a, 


Cuprum Met., 


Arnica, 


Cantharis, 


Cyclamen. 


ASSAF<ETLDA, 


Causticum, 




JEsculus Hypocasta- 


Carbo Veg., 


I> 


NUM. 


Chamomile a, 


Digitalis, 




Chelidonicum Ma jus, 


Drosera, 


:b 


China, 


Dulcamara. 


Baryta Garb., 


Chininum Sulph. Dulcis, 


Belladonna, 


ClCUTA, 


IE 


Borax, 


ClMICIFUGA, 


Euphrasia. 



426 





REMEDIES. 




F 


Ledum Pal., 


IR, 


Ferrum Met., 


Lycopodium. 


Rheum, 


Ferrum Acet. 


M 


Rhus Tox. 


O 


Mephitis, 


S 


GrELSEMINUM, 


Mercurius Solubieis, 


Sabina, 


GXONOINE, 


Mercurius Corrosivus, 


Sambucus, 


Graphites. 


Mercurius Vrvus, 


Sanguinaria, 




Mercurius Protiodide, 


Santonine, 


H 


Muriatic Acid, 


Sarracenia, 


Hamamelis, 


Moscus. 


Senega, 


Helleborus Nig., 




Secale, 


Hepar Sueph., 


IV 


Sepia, 


Hyoscyamus. 


Nitric Acid, 


Silicea, 




Nux Vomica. 


Spigelia, 


I 


- 


Spongia, 


Ignatia, 


O 


Staphisagria, 


Iodine, 


Opium. 


Stramonium, 


Ipecacuanha, 




Sulphur, 


Iris Vers. 


DP 

Phosphorus, 


Sulphuric Acid. 


k: 


Phosphoric Acid, 


T 


Kali Carbonicum, 


Platinum, 


Tabacum, 


Kali Hydriodicum, 


Plumbum, 


TRIFOLIUM INF03NA 


Kaei Bichromicum, 


Podophillum, 




Kreasotum. 


Pulsatilla. 


Veratrum Album, 


DL« 




Veratrum Viride. 


Lachesis, 




Viola Tricolor, 



427 



MOTHER'S LIST. 
REMEDIES FOR THE DISEASES PECULIAR TO THE MOTHER. 



Aconite, 
Agnus Castus, 
Aloes, 
Aluminum, 
Apis Met., 
Arnica, 



Arsenicum, Borax, 

ASSAFC3TIDA, BRYONIA. 

uESCULUS Hypocasta- 
num. Cactus Grand., 

Calcarea Cars., 
Belladonna, Camphora, 



428 



REMEDIES. 



Cannabis Sat., 

Cantharis, 

Causticum, 

China, 

Cicuta, 

ClMICTFUGA, 
COFFEA, 
COLLINSONIA, 
CONIUM, 

Cuprum, 
Cyclamen. 

Digitalis, 

Drosera, 

Dulcamara. 

Ferrum Acet., 
Ferrum Met. 

Gelseminum, 
Glonoxne. 

Hamamelis, 



Hepar Sulph., 
Hyoscyamus. 

Ignatia, 
Iodine, 
Ipecacuanha, 
Iris Vers. 

Kali Carb., 
Kali Hydriodicum, 
Kreasotum. 

Lycopodium. 

Mercurius Sol., 
Mercurius Corr., 
Moscus. 

Nitric Acid, 
NuxV. 

Opium. 



Phosphorus, 

Phosphoric Acid, 

Platina, 

Plumbum, 

Podophillum, 

Pulsatilla. 

Rhus Tox. 

Sabina, 

Sanguinaria, 

Secale, 

Sepia, 

Spigelia, 

Staphisagria, 

Sulphur, 

Sulphuric Acid. 

Tabacum. 

Veratrum Album, 
Veratrum Viride. 



INFANT'S LIST 



REMEDIES FOR DISEASES PECULIAR TO THE CHILD. 



Aconite, 

Aloes, 

Allium Sat., 

Antimonium Crudum, 

Arnica, 

Apis Mel., 

Arsenicum. 

Baryta Carb., 

Belladonna, 

Borax, 



Bromine, 
Bryonia, 

Calcarea Carb., 

Calendula, 

Cantharis, 

Carbo. Veg., 

Chamomilla, 

Chelidonium Majus, 

China, 

Cina, 



COFFEA, 

colchicum, 
colocynth, 
Coralia Rubra, 
Cuprum Acet., 
Cuprum Met., 

Drosera, 
Dulcamara. 

Euphrasia. 



Graphites. 

Helleborus Nig., 
Hepar Sulph., 
Hyoscyamus. 

Ignatia, 
Ipecacuanha. 

Kali Hydriodicdm, 
Kali Bichromicdm. 

Lachesis, 

Ledum, 

Lycopodium, 

Mephitis, 



REMEDIES. 




Mercurius Sol., 


Sambucus, 


Mercurius Viv., 


Santonine, 


Mercurius Prot., 


Sarracenia, 


Muriatic Acid. 


Senega, 




Sepia, 


Nux Vomica. 


Silicea, 




Spigelia, 


Opium. 


Spongia, 




Stramonium, 


Phosphorus, 


Sulphur, 


Phosphoric Acid, 


Sulphuric Acid. 


Platinum, 




Pulsatilla. 


Trifolium Infosna 


• 
Rheum, 


Veratrum Album, 


Rhus. 


Viola Tricolor. 



429 



SPECIAL LIST. 

REMEDIES, THE PARTICULAR POTENCY OF WHICH IS IN 
SOME CASES RECOMMENDED IN THE BOOK. 



Aconite, 0. 
-<Esculus Hyp., O. 
Agnus Castus, 0. 
Aluminum, 30th. 
Apis Mel., 200th. 
Arnica, 0. 
Arsenicum, 30th, 200th. 
Assaf<etida, 0. 
Baryta Garb., 12th. 
Bromine, 1st. 

Calcarea Garb., 30th, 200th. 
Calendula, 0. 
Camphora, O. 
Carbo. Veg., 30th. 
Chelidonium Maj., 6th. 



Coralia Rubra, 30th. 
China Off., 0. 
Chininum Sulph. Dulcis. 
Digitalis, 1st. 
Ferrum Garb., 1st trit. 
Ferrum Acet., 1st trit. 
Gelseminum, 0. 
Hamamelis, 0. 
Iodine, 30th. 
Ipecacuanha, 0. 
Kali Bichromicum, 1st trit. 
Kali Hydriodicum, 1st trit. 
Mercurius, 30th. 
Mercurius Prot., 1st trit. 
Nux Vom., 30th. 



430 



REMEDIES. 



Opium, 30th. 
Pulsatilla, 30th. 
Sec ale Corn.,0- 
Sepia, 30th. 
Silicea, 30th. 



Platina, 30th. 
Sabina, O. 
Sulphur, 30th, 200th. 
Veratrum Viride, "&. 



EXTKA LIST. 



REMEDIES WHICH, ALTHOUGH RECOMMENDED BY ALLO- 
PATHIC AUTHORITIES, ARE MENTIONED IN THIS WORK, 
AND CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE COMMON PHAR- 
MACIES. 



Adhesive Plaster. 

Alum. 

Ammonia, Aromatic Spirit of. 

Arnica Plaster. 

Benzoic Acid. 

Borax. 

Cerium. 

Chamomile Floors. 

Chloroform. 

Colomba. 



Court Plaster. 

Flax-Seed Meal. 

Hydrocianic Acid, Off. Prep. 

Glycerine. 

Ox-Gall. 

Poppy-Heads. 

Ricini Communis. 

Marsh-Mallow, 

Tannin. 



PART X. 



INDEX. 



INDEX. 



A. 

PAGE. 

Abdomen, as an indicator of 

disease in infants . .220 
Enlargement and shape of the, 

as a sign of pregnancy . 34 
Rigidity and laxity of the, 
during pregnancy . . 117 
Abortion, Criminal: — 

Duty of physicians regarding 99 
Laws regarding . . . 101 
Legal view- of . . .101 
Moral view of 100 

Spontaneous : — 

Actual symptoms of .95 

Causes of, due to the father . 91 

" " " mother. 91 

" " " ovum . 92 

" " " foetus . 92 

Classification of . .94 

Dangers attending . . .97 

Flooding, threatening . . 98 

From accidental causes . . 93 

From acute diseases, small- 



pox, 



&c. 



How to avert threatened 
Induced by improper dress- 
ing during childhood . 
Non-determinate symptoms of 
Pains, threatening. 
. Premonitory symptoms of . 
Treatment of . 
When liable to occur 
Acetate of Lead, poisoned by, 

antidotes and treatment 
Acetic Acid, poisoned by, anti- 
dotes and treatment . 
28 



92 

94 

357 
96 

103 
94 
98 
95 

410 

409 



52 
54 

409 

412 

92 
424 



322 



PAGE. 

Acidity of the stomach in preg- 
nancy 

Treatment of . 
Acids, poisoned by, antidotes and 
treatment .... 
Aero-Narcotic Poisons, anti- 
dotes and treatment . 
Acute Diseases a cause of abor- 
tion 

Administration of homoeo- 
pathic medicines 
Adolescence, moral and physi- 
cal changes during the 
period of . . . 322-344 
Period of life called 
Advice to Girls (see Girls), 

Parents (see Moral and physi- 
cal training of the young), 
Woman with child 
Young men (see Men), 
After-Birth, how and when to 
deliver the .... 
After-Fains (see Pains). 
Air and Exercise, for infants . 
Cautions in regard to . 
For walking children . 
Albuminuria (see Dropsy). 
Aliment (see Food). 
Alkethrepta as food for chil- 
dren 

Alkalies, poisoned by, antidotes 

and treatment . 
Amaurosis during pregnancy 

108-120 
Ammonia, as an antidote to 

poison .... 406 

433 



41 



146 

200 
200 
336 



199 



410 



434 



INDEX. 



Ammonia, poisoned by, anti- 
dotes and treatment . . 410 

Anaemia during pregnacy . 73 
Treatment of . . . .77 

Anasarca (see Dropsy) . . 107 

Animal Food for children (see 

Food) 108 

Antidotes to poisons . . 406, 407 

Anteflexion of the womb . .28 

Anteversion of the womb . 28, 114 

Anxiety about the Future, 

during pregnancy . . 44 

Appetite, derangement of, dur- 
ing pregnancy . . .52 
Diet, during derangement of . 54 
Disordered, as an indication 

of disease in infants . . 219 
For unusual things, during 

pregnancy . . . .52 
Morbid, during pregnancy . 42 

Apoplexy of pregnant women . 125 

Apyrexia (see Appetite). 

Arrangement of Woman's 

Dress, preparatory to labor 143 

Arrow-Root, as food for children 195 

Arsenic poisoned by, antidotes 

and treatment . . . 407 

Articles needed by the mother 

during labor . . . 135 
By the new-born baby . . 136 
By the physician while at- 
tending labor . . . 135 

Artificial Food, for children . 195 

Ascites (see Dropsy). 

Aspect of Face as an indicator 

of disease in infants . . 225 

Asthma, of children . . . 307 
Treatment of. . . .308 

Aversion to Food during preg- 
nancy, . . . .52 



Baby (see" Child). 
Baby-Talk 



211 



PAGE. 

Bandage 135 

Barley as food for children . 198 
Base-Ball as exercise for boys . 348 
Bathing and Washing of in- 
fants . . ... . . 200 

Baths, Cold . . . .334 

For children .... 334 

In the open air . . . 356 
Ee-action after . . . 335 
Eules for using . . . 335 
The time of day for . . 335 
Tepid . . . . .335 

Warm 335 

Beecher, Catharine E., on the 

moral education of children 332 
Beef-Broth as food for children 198 
Bed, how to prepare the, for a 

parturient .... 134 
Belly, as an indicator of disease 

in infants .... 220 
Betrothals, the American sys- 
tem of, not calculated to 
make happy marriages . 364 
The girl's parents and the be- 
trothed . . . .365 
The parent's part in the, of 
their children . . . 365 
Blood, the elements of .73 

Quantity and quality of, in 

pregnancy ... 74 

Spitting of, during pregnancy 73 
Blows and Falls, danger from, 

to pregnant women . . 93 

Of children, treatment of . 391 

Blue-Disease, of infants . . 258 

Boating, for boys and girls . 348 

Body, relation of the, to the 

mind ..... 319 

Training of the . . .319 

Bones, food to make, material . 383 

Botany as an exercise for girls . 351 

Brain, food to make, material . 383 

Organization of the . . 319 

Eelation Of the, to the mind . 319 

Bread, crumbs of, as food for 

children .... 196 
Crusts of, as food for children 197 






INDEX. 



435 



Breathing, short, in pregnancy . 71 
As an indicator of disease in 
infants . . . .221 
Breasts, changes in the, in preg- 
nancy 36 

Danger in exposing the, while 

nursing . . . .186 
Danger in not nursing the 

child at birth . . .185 
Engorgement of the . .167 
Milk in the, as a sign of preg- 
nancy 36 

Overdistension of the, by milk 165 

Swelling at the, of infants . 229 

Breast-Glasses, or reservoirs . 185 

Breast-Pump . . . .166 

Bronchitis, in children . .291 

Distinctive symptoms of . 293 

Treatment of . . . ,295 

Broncho-Pneumonia . . 293 

Broth, of Beef, how to make, for 

children . . . .199 
Chicken, how to make, for 

children . . . .199 
Mutton, how to make, for chil- 
dren 199 

Veal, how to make, for chil- 
dren 199 

Brown Spots on the skin dur- 
ing pregnancy . . .68 
Bruises and Contusions, treat- 
ment of . . .391 
Burns and Scalds, treatment of 394 



o 



Calculi, in infants . . . 267 
Capricious Appetite during 

pregnancy . . . .52 
Camphor as an antidote to 

poison .... 406 
Carbonaceous Food . . 379 
Carbonates, or heat-making ma- 
terial 382 

Carbonate of Lead, poisoned 

by, antidotes and treatment 410 



PAOE. 

Carbonate of Lead, proportion 

of, in articles of food . .382 
Cardinal Principles, to instil 

into children . . . 331 
Casualties . . * . . .389 

Catalepsy 125 

Catarrh, in the head ... 88 
Catarrhal Croup . . . 300 
Cautions, general, to sick people 387 
Celibacy, an error . . .374 
Chafing, of infants . . . 257 
Chalk, appetite for, during preg- 
nancy 52 

Change of Life . . . 32-345 
Chicken-Broth, how to make, 

for children . . .199 
Chicken-Pox . . . .283 
Treatment of . . . .287 
Child, diseases of (see Diseases 
of Childhood). 
Kegimen of (see Infant). 
Child-Bearing (see Labor), fear 

of 43 

Children, Air and exercise for . 336 
Baths for ... 334 

Cardinal principles to instil 

into 331 

Cleanliness of, a necessity . 333 
Effects of teachers' sympathy 

or antipathy for . . . 331 
Evacuations of . . .338 
Father's sympathy for the 
daughter . . . .330 

Fear of danger in bearing . 43 
First-born . . . .22 

Food for . ... . . 338 

Moral and physical education 

of 324 

Moral education of . . 332 
Mother's sympathy for the 

son 330 

Perversity of . . . .326 
Self-preservation and self- 
gratification in . . . 326 
Self-respect to be encouraged 

in 329 

Size and weight of. 



436 



INDEX. 



PAGE. 

Children, stealing in . . .328 
Sympathy with the, gives 

moral control over them . 329 
Sympathy with . . . 215 
Childhood (see Diseases of Child- 
hood). 
Mental and physical hj'giene 

of 

(See Adolescence.) . . 322-344 
Chill, after delivery . . .148 

Treatment of 149 

Chloroform, to woman in labor 158 
Poisoned by, treatment . .411 
Clothing of infants while asleep 200 
" " during sickness 200 
11 " during and af- 
ter walking . 200 
Chocolate as food for children . 199 
Choking, treatment of . . 402 
Cholera-Infantum . . .242 
Citric Acid, poisoned by, anti- 
dotes and treatment . . 409 
Cleanliness, as it affects children 333 
Coffee as an antidote to poison . 406 
Cold in the Head, and treat- 
ment of . . .312 
Colic, during pregnancy . .62 
Of infants . . . .234 

Colostrum 165 

Coma, in dropsy during preg- 
nancy 109 

Company, when allowed in the 

parturient's room . . 151 

Conception, inaptitude to . .24 

When woman is liable to . 30 

" " not liable to 25-31 

Concussion and Compression 

of the brain, treatment of . 392 
Conduct of the attendants upon 

woman in labor . . . 143 
Congestive Headache . . 81 
Constipation, during pregnancy 57 
Miscarriage as a consequence 

of 57 

Of infants . . . .239 
Of women, induced by dress 
during girlhood . . . 355 



Constipation, pains, colic, dis- 
placements of the womb, 
&c, as a consequence of . 57 
Piles a consequence of . .57 
Ptegimen and treatment of . 58 
Consumption, from excessive 

nursing .... 174 
Contractions, slow and feeble, 

of the womb during labor . 152 
Contusions and Bruises, treat- 
ment of . . . .391 
Convulsions, during pregnancy 

or labor .... 123 
Hysterical .... 124 
Of children . . . .262 
Copper, poisoned by, antidotes 

and treatment . . . 409 
Cord, how and when to cut the 

umbilical .... 146 
How to dress the . . . 150 
Corrosive Sublimate, poisoned 

by, antidotes and treatment 408 
Coryza, snuffles, in infants . 229 
Cough, as an indicator of disease 

in infants . . . .221 
Caused by excessive nursing 174 
Treatment of 175 

In general . . . .313 
Tn pregnancy . . . .70 
Whooping . . . .308 
Treatment of . 310 

Cries, as indicating special dis- 
eases of infants . . . 216 
Of hunger of infants . .184 
Cricket as an exercise for boys . 348 
Critical Period of Girls . . 344 
S} 7 mptoms of the approach of 

the 344 

Croup, false, non-membranous. 

spasmodic, catarrhal . . 300 

True, membranous . . 301 

Treatment of . . . . 302 

Cro wing-Disease, of children . 307 

Treatment of. . . .308 

Crumbs of Bread as food for 

infants . . . .196 
Cuts, treatment .... 396 



INDEX. 



437 



r>. 

Dampness of the skin in chil- 
dren 260 

Dancing, vindicated ; to be regu- 
lated . . . . . 348 

Daughters, go to the father, 

why? 330 

Deafness during pregnancy . 120 

Death of the foetus as a cause of 

miscarriage . . .92 

Deception of children the result 

of education . . 328, 329 

Delivery (see Labor). 

Dementia, the fourth period of 

life .... 322-324 

Dentition (see Teething). 

Derangement of appetite dur- 
ing pregnancy . . .52 
Of menstruation, a cause of 
disease .... 345 

Despondency in nursing-wo- 
men 174 

Diagnostic Signs of various 

fevers 268 

Diarrhoea in pregnancy . .61 
Of infants as a symptom of 

disease . . . .218 
Of infants, and its treatment . 242 

Dynamic Force . . .418 

Diet (see Food). 

Articles of, allowed and for- 
bidden during sickness . 384 

Dilutions of homoeopathic medi- 
cines, how prepared . .417 

Diphtheria . . . .304 
Propagation of . . 307 

Treatment of. . . .306 

Dirt, appetite for, during preg- 
nancy . . . .52 

Discharges from the womb, after 
delivery (see Lochia). 

Discipline of schools . . . 341 

Diseases, of respiratory organs . 291 
Of childhood . . . 213-313 

Disorders of the stomach dur- 
ing pregnancy . . .48 



PAGE. 

Displacements of the womb 28, 113 
Disturbed Vision of nursing- 
women .... 174 
Divisibility of Matter ad in- 
finitum .... 418 
Dizziness of pregnant women . 81 
Domestic treatment of poisons, 405 
Dose, for infants, adults, repeti- 
tion 424 

Dress, for children after infancy 351 

" Infants . . .194 

" while asleep . 200 

" during sickness . 200 

" during and after 

walking. . 200 
How it affects the circulation 

of the blood . . . 351 
How to arrange the, prepara- 
tory for labor . . . 143 
Object of . . .351 

Rules to be observed in the, 

of girls .... 356 
Temperature of the body af- 
fected by . . . ,351 
The, of woman, a cause of dis- 
ease 351 

Dressing, diseases caused by 

part«il .... 355 

How unequal, affects girls . 354 
Of the Infant immediately 

after birth .... 150 
Of the Umbilical cord {na- 
vel) . . . . .150 
Partial, the cause of the dis- 
eases of women . . 353, 354 
Dropsy in the Abdomen during 

pregnancy .... 107 
In the Chest during pregnancy 107 
From excessive nursing . 174 

General 107 

In the Limbs during preg- 
nancy 107 

Of children after scarlet-fever 278 

Simulating pregnancy . . 35 

Drowning, treatment of . .400 

Dysentery, of children . . 242 

Dyspnoea during pregnancy . 71 



438 



INDEX. 



PAGE. 



E. 



Ear, inflammation of the . . 289 
Noises in the, from excessive 

nursing .... 174 
Running of the . . . 289 
Ear-Ache, in scarlet-fever . 278, 289 
Education for happy marriages 336 
Physical and moral, of chil- 
dren 324 

To modify instinct of self- 
gratification in children . 327 
Egg, human (see Ovum). 

White of, as antidote to poison 407 
Emetics, in cases of poisoning . 405 
Enamel, taken as poison, treat- 
ment of . . . 411 
Enlargement of the abdomen 

as a sign of pregnancy . 34 

Tonsils 297 

Epilepsy 125 

Eruptions on the skin of in- 
fants .... 256 
Ether Sulphurous, poisonous 

effect of . . . .411 
Eruptive Fevers . . . 208 
Erysipelas of infants . . .257 
Eyes, defective vision during 

pregnancy . . . 108-120 
Defective vision from exces- 
sive nursing . . .174 
Simple inflammation of the, 

of infants .... 227 
Scrofulous ophthalmia . . 228 
Evacuations of Children, at- 
tention to the . . .338 
Examination, how to make an, 

during labor . . . 142 
Excoriations, of infants . . 257 
Excess of Milk in nursing-wo- 
men 168 

Excessive Nursing, effects of .174 

Exercise of boys and girls . 347, 386 

Effects of restraint during . 348 

Games for ... . 348 

Pleasure should be added 

to 347 



PAGE. 

Expression and Aspect ot the 

face as an indicator of dis- 
ease in infants . . . 225 
External Causes to prevent 

nursing .... 177 



F. 

Face, expression of the, as an in- 
dication of disease . . 225 
Facial Palsy . . . .120 
Fainting during pregnancy . 79 
Treatment of . . . .80 
Falls and Blows, treatment of 391 
Fallopian Tubes ... 27 
False Croup . . . .300 
False Pains . . . 116, 152 
False Waters during pregnancy 111 
Father's Sympathy with daugh- 
ter . . . . .330 
Fauces, affections of, as a sign 

disease of infants . . 219 
Fears of danger in bearing chil- 
dren 43 

Of pending evil during preg- 
nancy 44 

Of dying during pregnancy . 44 
Feeble Contractions during 

labor . . . . .152 
Fecundation . . . .31 

Fertility 21 

Statistics of . . . .22 
The age of mothers affecting . 22 

Fevers 268 

Chicken-pox , . . .283 
Diagnostic signs of various . 268 
Eruptive . . . .268 
Intermittent .... 288 
Measles . . . . .269 

Milk 165 

Remittent . . . .287 

Scarlet 269 

Small-pox . . . .280 
Varioloid . . . .283 
Fifth and Sixth month of preg- 
nancy. . . , .37 



INDEX. 



439 



PAGE. 

First Stage of labor . . .140 
First and Second month of preg- 
nancy 37 

First Fortnight of the ninth 

month of pregnancy . .38 
Fish, poisonous .... 413 
Fishing, as exercise for boys . 348 
Flatulence during pregnancy 52-62 
Treatment of . . . .63 
Of infants . . . .234 
Flooding, threatening abortion, 

treatment of . . .98 
Before, during, or after deliv- 
ery 98 

Immediately after delivery 
suspended by nursing . 154 
Flour, as food for children . .196 
Food, Artificial, for children, its 

preparation . . . 195-199 
Alkethrepta as, for children . 199 
Arrow-root, " . 197 

Barley . " . 198 

Beef-broth, " . 198 

Chicken-broth, " . 199 

Chocolate, " . 199 

Crumbs of bread, " .196 

Crusts of bread, " . 197 

Flour, " . 196 

Glands Doux, " . 198 

Lentil-powder, " . 195 

Liebig's-food, " . 199 

Mutton-broth, " . 199 

Oat-meal, " . 197 

Racahout, " . 199 

Rice-powder, " . 197 

Rusks, " . 197 

Sago, " . 197 

Semolina, " .197 

Veal-broth, " . 195 

Aversion to during pregnancy 52 
Change of, after teething . 338 
For nursing-women . . 189 
For the supply of muscle . 381 
" " " the brain . 381 

" " " bone . . 381 

" " " heat . . 381 

Milk as (see Lactation). 



PAGE. 

Food, regimen and treatment of 53, 54 
Table of articles of, allowed 
and forbidden during sick- 
ness 384 

Table of proportions of the 
elements of, in different ar- 
ticles of diet . . .382 

Use of 379 

Foot-Ball, as exercise of boys . 348 

G. 

Graafian Vesicles ... 29 

Functions of . . . .30 
Games, for boys and- girls . . 348 
Gases, collection of, in the abdo- 
men during pregnancy . 35 
Gastric Derangements of wo- 
men during pregnancy . 48 
Of infants . . . .267 
Gastric Headaches ... 83 
Girls, constipation of, induced by 

dress 355 

Diseases of, caused by partial 

dressing . . . 351-354 
Exercise of ... 347 

Fit to marry . . . .366 
Healthful pleasures and games 

for ... . 348-350 
How the health of, is affected 
by dress . . . 354,355 
Glands, condition of the, as an 
indication of disease in in- 
fants 225 

Glands Doux, as food for chil- 
dren 198 

Glass, poisoned by, treatment . 411 
Gravel, in infants . . . 267 
Growth of the mind and body . 320 
Gymnastics at schools, and as a 

healthful exercise . 341-348 



Hallucinations during preg- 
nancy 

Hasty Marriages 



122 

362 



440 



INDEX. 



PAGE. 

Head, cold in the 312 

Elongation ofthe, at birth . 226 
Neuralgia of the . . .86 

Headache 81 

Catarrhal . . . .88 
Congestive . . . .81 
From excessive nursing . . 174 

Gastric 83 

Neuralgic or nervous . . 86 
Rheumatic . . . .89 
Sick . ... 84 

Health, bad, in parents, the cause 

of the death of infants 

How the, of girls is impaired 

by dress .... 

In marriage .... 

Social status compared with, 

in marriage 

Heart, palpitation of the, during 
pregnancy .... 

Heat, eruption of the skin from . 
Quality of food to keep up 
the, of the body . 

Hemicrania (see Headache). 

Hemiplegia (see Paralysis) 

Hemorrhage (see Flooding). 



Hemorrhoids 



370 

354 
369 

370 

78 
256 

383 

120 

63 



Of women, induced by dress . 357 
Hernia, umbilical, of infants . 227 
High Dilutionists . . .422 
Homoeopathic Remedies, their 
preparation and administra- 
tion 417 

Theories, and infinitesimal 
divisibility of matter . . 417 
Hours of Study, late. . .342 
Hunger, what is . . . .380 
Hunting, as exercise for boys . 341 
Husband, appeal to, in behalf of 

his pregnant wife . . . 48 

As the cause of miscarriage . 91 
Hydrothorax (see Dropsy). 
Hydrorrhcea (see False Waters). 
Hygiene of childhood . . . 324 

Of girls at the critical period 347 
Hypochondria from onanism . 359 

During pregnancy . . .44 



PAGE. 

. 366 
. 124 
. 359 



Hypocrisy, in love . 
Hysteria during pregnancy 
Caused by onanism 



I. 



Incontinence of urine during 

pregnancy .... 117 
Of children . . . .266 
Of milk in nursing-women . 172 
Indigestion, eruption of the skin 

from 256 

Of infants .... 236 

During Pregnancy. . . 52 

Treatment of . . . .54 

Infancy, the period of . . 322 

Infants, articles needed by the 

new-born .... 130 
Attention to the new-bom . 146 
Dressing of the new-born . 150 
First nursing of the . . 151 
First washing of the new-born 150 
How to receive the new-born, 

in its exit .... 145 
Nursing the new-bora (see 

Nursing and Lactation). 
Presentation of the, to the 

mother .... 151 
The new-born, does not 

breathe .... 147 

The new-born, is very weak . 147 

The room of the new-born, 

caution as to light . . 151 

Infantile remittent fever . .287 

Intermittent fever . . . 288 

Infinitesimal Divisibility of 

matter 418 

Inflammation of the ears of 

new-bora infants . .289 
Of the eyes of new-born in- 
fants . . . . .228 
Of the navel of new-born in- 
fants . . . . .227 
Of the womb after delivery . 157 
Of the womb during preg- 
nancy 116 



INDEX. 



441 



PAGE. 

Influenza 312 

Insanity during pregnancy ( . 122 
From excessive nursing . . 173 
From onanism . . . 359 
Insects, stings of . . . . 399 
Insomnia (Sleeplessness) . . 89 
Instincts, as motives of child's 

actions . . . .322 
Insufficiency of milk in nursing- 
women .... 168 

Intellect 319 

Intellectual Disorders of preg- 
nant women . 43, 44, 122 
Intermittent Fevers of infants 288 

Intuition 319 

Inversion of the Womb . .28 
Ipecac, as an emetic in poisons . 405 
Irregularity, of pains during 

labor . ... .153 
Of menstruation . . 345-347 
Irritability of the Womb, dur- 
ing pregnancy . . . 116 
From excessive nursing . 174 
Irritants, poisons, antidotes and 

treatment .... 411 
Itching of the private parts dur- 
ing pregnancy . . 69, 70 



Jaundice, of pregnant women . 68 
Of infants . . . .'258 

K. 

Kyestein in the urine, as a symp- 
tom of pregnancy . .36 
How to detect . . .36 



Labor, anxiety of the woman 

during 141 

Arrangement of the woman's 
bed preparatory to . . 134 

Arrangement of the woman's 
dress for ... . 143 



PAGE. 

Labor, attention to the child after 146 
Attention to the mother after 148 
Chloroform in . . .158 
Conduct of the woman during 141 
Convulsions during . . 123 
Discharges of the womb after 

(see Lochia) . . . 155 
Disorders during the act of . 152 
Dry . . . . .142 
Expulsive efforts of the wo- 
man in .... 141 

Fear of 43 

Fears of difficult ... 43 
First stage of . . ♦ . .140 
Flooding after, suspended by 

nursing . . . . 154 
How to make an examination 

during . . . . 142 
How to receive the child in its 

exit 145 

Inflammation of the soft parts 

of the mother after . . 157 
Length and pains of . . 145 
Medical treatment of woman 

after 149 

Nausea during . . . 141 
Nausea and vomiting during . 152 
Necessity of moving the bow- 
els and passing water before 141 
Nervousness during . . 152 
Pains simulating . . 103, 104 
Premonitory signs of . . 140 
Presentation during . . 139 
Second stage of 144 

Slow and feeble contractions 

of the womb during . . . 152 
Suspension and irregularity 

of pains during . . . 153 
The physician to be an- 
nounced to the woman in . 143 
The show before . . . 141 

Lactation 165 

Laryngismus Stridulus . . 307 
Last Fortnight of the ninth 

month of pregnancy . .38 
Laurel-Water, poisoned by, an- 
tidotes and treatment . 409 



442 



INDEX. 



PAGE. 

Laws against abortion . . 109 
Laxity of the Abdomen dur- 
ing pregnancy . . . 117 
Lead 9 poisoned by, or its prepa- 
rations, antidotes and treat- 
ment 410 

Legal View of criminal abor- 
tion 101 

Lentil -Powder as food for 

children .... 195 
Leucorrhrea, during pregnancy 112 
How, is induced by dress in 

girls 356 

From excessive nursing . . 174 
Liebig's Food for children . 329 
Liver-Spots in pregnant women 68 
Lobelia as an emetic in poisons 405 
Lochia (discharges after labor) . 155 
A sudden cessation of the . 156 
Loss of Memory from excessive 

nursing . . . .174 
Love, hypocrisy in 366 

Low Dilutionists . . .422 
Lying of children . . . 329 

M. 

Maladies during pregnancy (see 

Pregnancy). 
Malformations of the nipple . 177 
Mania from excessive nursing . 174 
Marriage, age at which women 

should marry . . . 375 

A girl fit to marry . . . 366 

Cautions as to betrothals for . 364 

Cautions to unmarried wo- 
men 376 

Celibacy a cause of disease 
and of social evil . . 373 

Duties of parents towards 
their daughters with regard 
to 375 

Education of children for 
happy 363 

Education of girls to become 
housewives . . .368 

Fertility of, of young women 23 



PAGE. 

Marriage, hasty .... 362 
Health in . . . .369 
Laws of nature requiring, for 
the welfare of the human 

being 371 

Morally and physically de- 
sirable .... 371 
Temperament and education 

in 361 

The parents and the betrothed 365 
Unhappy . . . .362 
What is expected of a girl 

who is to be taken in . . 866 
What is expected of a man 

who offers himself in . . 366 

Why women should marry . 374 

Why young men shun . . 367 

Married Women (see Woman 

and Marriage). 

Mortality among . . .23 

Measles 269 

Cautions in regard to . . 275 
Complicated . . . .272 
Diet and regimen of . . 274 
Malignant . . . .272 
Medical treatment of . . 279 
Preventive treatment of . 277 
Prognosis of, and scarlet-fever 

paralleled . . . .273 
Sequelae of . . . . 279 

Simple 272 

Symptoms of, and scarlet-fe- 
ver paralleled . . . 269 
Medicines, Homoeopathic, ad- 
ministration of . . . 424 
Meconium . . . . .151 

Megrim 86 

Membranous Croup . .301 
Memory, loss of from excessive 

nursing . . * .174 
Men, necessity of young, to marry 371 
What is expected of, who offer 

themselves in marriage .366 

Why shun marriage . . 367 

Menstruation . . . .28 

Affected by fecundation . 31 

Affecting procreation . . 345 



INDEX. 



443 



PAGfi. 

Menstruation, causes of irregu- 
larity of . . . .347 
Dependent upon ovulation * . 31 
Derangement of, a cause of 

disease .... 345 
During pregnancy . . .34 
First appearance of, and its 

symptoms .... 344 
Hygiene of girls at the period of 347 
Irregularities of, to be attend- 
ed to at once . . . 374 
Irregularities of, caused by 

girl's dress .... 354 
Not necessary to conception . 32 
Period of the cessation of . 345 
Profuse, from excessive nurs- 
ing 174 

Quantity of blood lost at every 345 
Suppression of, as a sign of 

pregnancy . . . .34 
Tardy appearance of first . 346 
The mother to instruct the 
daughter in regard to .* . 345 
Mental Disorders during preg- 
nancy . . .43, 44, 122 
Advice to pregnant women 

suffering from . . .44 
Advice to husbands of preg- 
nant women . . .45 
Treatment of . . . .46 
Mercury and its preparations, 
poisoned by, antidotes and 
treatment .... 408 
Milk, quality of, affected by the 
health and age, acute dis- 
eases, chronic diseases . 170 
By moral affections, men- 
struation, pregnancy,diet, 
medicinal substances . 171 
By violent exercise . . 172 
Colostrum, or first . . . 165 
Formation of, in the breasts . 165 
How to prevent . . . 173 
Incontinence of 172 

In the breasts as a sign of 

pregnancy . . . .36 
In nursing-women, excess of 168 



PAGE. 

Milk, In nursing-women, insuffici- 
ency of .... 168 
Quality of . . . . 170 
Quantity of 168 

Period at which the flow of, 

commences. . . .166 
Solidified and condensed . 195 
Table of the constituents of 

various milks . . 192 

Ass's .... 192 

Cow's . . . .192 

Too abundant secretion of .173 

Milk-Crust 259 

Milk-Fever 165 

Mind, affections of the, during 

pregnancy . . . .42 
Growth and development of 

the . . . . ♦ . 320 
Eelation of the, to the body . 319 
Training of the, of the young 318 
Miscarriage (see Abortion). . 91 
Mixed Nursing . . . .180 
Monthly Nurse . . . .131 
Necessary qualities of a . . 131 
When to send for the . . 133 
Morbid Appetite during preg- 
nancy (see Appetite) . 42-52 
Morning Sickness, as a sign of 

pregnancy . . . .36 
Explanation of . « .49 
Irrepressible . . . .50 
Eegimen of . . . .51 
Treatment of . . . .54 
Moral and Physical training 

of the young . . . 317 
Moral View of criminal abortion 100 
Mother, attention to the, imme- 
diately after labor . . 148 
Appeal to the married woman 

who fears child-bearing . 45 
Articles needed by the, in the 

puerperal state . . . 129 
Caution to the company who 
visit the, immediately after 
delivery . . . .152 
Medical treatment of, imme- 
diately after labor . .149 



444 



INDEX. 



PAGK. 

Mother, not to help herself im- 
mediately after labor . . 149 
Presentation of the child to . 151 
Sympathy of, with the son . 330 
To instruct her daughter in 

regard to menstruation . 345 
"When company may be al- 
lowed in the mother's room 151 
When should commence to 

nurse her infant . . . 151 
When the mother should or 
should not nurse her own 
child . . . .175, 176 
Mouth, affections of the, as an 

indication of disease . . 219 
Sore, of infants . . .230 
Mumps . . . 261 

Muriatic Acid, poisoned by . 409 
Muscles, food for making . . 380 
Mushrooms, poisoned by . . 413 
Mustard as an emetic in case of 

poisons .... 405 
Mutton-Broth, for children . 199 

N. 

Narcotic Poisons, antidotes and 

treatment . . . .412 
Nausea (see Vomiting) . . 36 
Navel, protrusion of the, in infants 227 
Inflammation of the, in in- 
fants 227 

Nervous Disorders of children . 262 
Nervous Headache . .86 
Nervousness, during labor . . 152 
Neuralgia, from excessive nurs- 
ing 174 

In the head . . . .86 
In the womb .... 104 
Threatening miscarriage . 104 
Night-Sweats, from excessive 

nursing .... 174 
Nipples, artificial . . .180 
How to improve the . . 177 
Inflammation, erosions, exco- 
riations, chaps, fissures, and 
cracking of the . . . 179 



PAGE. 

Nipples, malformation of the . 177 

Sunken 166 

Nipple-Glasses . . . .166 
Nipple-Shields . . . .180 
Nitrates, or muscle-making ele- 
ments of food . . . 382 
Non-Membranous Croup . 300 
Nose, obstructions of the, of in- 
fants 229 

Numbness from excessive nurs- 
ing 174 

Nurse, necessary qualities of a 

monthly . . . .131 
Necessary qualities of a wet . 187 
Questions to be asked in look- 
ing up a monthly . . 133 
Regimen and diet of a wet . 189 
Selection of a . . . . 186 
Wet-nurse . . . .186 
When to send for the monthly 
anticipating labor . . 136 
Nursing, animal food (see Arti- 
ficial Food). 
Artificial food . . . 195 
Cow's milk . . .192 
Ass's milk . . • . . 192 
Solidified or condensed milk 195 
At stated hours . . .183 

By hand 191 

During the day . . .183 
During the night . . .184 
Excessive, affecting mother . 173 
" as a cause of con- 

sumption . 174 

Excessive, as a cause of in- 
sanity . . . . . 173 
External cause to prevent the 
mother's .... 177 

Mixed 180 

Eegimen and diet of, women . 189 
Rules to be observed in . . 182 
The mother to nurse her own 

child 175 

The mother not to nurse her 

own child . . . .176 
When the new-born babe 
should commence . . 151 



INDEX. 



445 



PAGE. 



O 



Oatmeal as food for children . 197 
Obliquities of the womb during 

pregnancy . . . . 114 
Occupation of the mother during 

pregnancy .... 129 
CEdema (see Dropsy) . . . 107 
Oil of Bitter Almonds, poi- 
soned by, antidotes and 
treatment .... 409 
Olive-Oil as an antidote to 

poison 406 

Onanism, of boys and girls . 358 

Symptoms that indicate . 358 

Diseases induced by . . 359 

Treatment and prevention of . 359 

Ophthalmia, scrofulous . . 228 

Otitis 289 

Otorrhoea 289 

Oxalic Acid, poisoned by, anti- 
dotes and treatment . . 409 
Ovaries, description of the . .27 
Functions of the . . .28 
Effects of extirpation of the . 32 

Ovulation 28 

The cause of menstruation . 31 
Ovum, or human egg, course of 

the fecundated, to the womb 33 
Description of . . .28 
Fecundation of the . . 30 
Maturity of . . . .30 
Monthly escape of the . . 30 
The, as a cause of miscarriage 92 
Unfecundated . . . .30 
When the, is exposed to fecun- 
dation or conception . . 31 



p. 

Pains of the Womb after labor . 154 
During labor .... 152 
False, during pregnancy . 116 
In the right side during preg- 
nancy 72 

Neuralgic, of the womb . 104 



PAGE. 

Pains of the Womb, symptom- 
atic of miscarriage . . 103 
Peculiar to the second stage 

of labor .... 145 
Rheumatic, of the womb . 104 
Simulating labor . . . 103 
Suspension and irregularity 

of, during labor . . . 153 
Weak, during labor . . 152 
Palpitation of the heart during 

pregnancy . . . .78 
Paralysis, during pregnancy (see 

Albuminuria and Dropsy) . 108 
From excessive nursing . . 174 
Of the face, of one side, of the 
lower half, &c. . . . 120 
Paraplegia (see Paralysis). .120 
Parents, duties of, towards their 
children (see Moral and 
Physical Training of Chil- 
dren, and Marriage) . 317-333 
Perspirations, night, from ex- 
cessive nursing . . . 174 
Phosphates, or bone- and brain- 
making material, propor- 
tions of, in various articles 
of diet . . . .382 

Physician, accommodations for 

the, during labor . . 135 
Arrival of the, to be an- 
nounced to the woman in 
labor . . . .143 
Duty of, in criminal abor- 
tion 99 

When to send for the, in a 
case of labor . . . 136 
Pickles, poisoned by, prepared 

with copper, treatment . 409 
Piles during pregnancy . . 63 
Placenta (see After-Birth) . 146 
Pleasure necessary to make ex- 
ercise beneficial . . . 347 
Plethora during pregnancy, 

treatment of . . 73-76 

Pneumonia of children . . 291 

Distinctive symptoms of . 294 

Treatment of . . . .295 



446 



INDEX. 



and 



409 
409 
412 
410 
407 
409 
408 
413 
409 
411 
410 
413 
412 
410 
409 
411 
405 
405 
406 

407 
407 



PAGE 

Poisons, Antidotes and Treatment 

for . 

Acids . 

Acro-r.arcotic 

Alkalies 

Arsenic 

Copper 

Corrosive sublimate 

Fish . 

Glass and enamel 

Irritant 

Lead . 

Mushrooms . 

Narcotics . 

Potassa 

Prussic acid 

Vegetable . 
Domestic treatment of 
Emetics for . 
General antidotes to 
Specific, their antidotes 

treatment . 
Tests for . 
Potassa and its preparations, 

poisoned by, antidote and 

treatment . 
Potencies of homoeopathic medi- 
cines, how to prepare them 417 

Preface 

Pregnancy 

Advice to woman in a state of 
Changes of the breasts in 
Duration of . 
Enlargement and shape of the 

abdomen as a sign of . 
Frights and sights during 
Gases in the abdomen during 
Impressions of the mother dur- 
ing, transmitted to the child 
Kyestein in the urine as a 

sign of. 
Maladies during 

Amaurosis . 

Anaemia 

Colic . 

Constipation 

Convulsions 



. 410 



5 
34 
41 
36 
40 

34 
41 
35 

41 

36 
44 

120 
73 
62 
57 

122 



PAGE. 

Pregnancy, Maladies during. 

Cough 70 

Deafness .... 120 
Diarrhoea . . . .61 
Disorders of the stomach . 48 
Displacements of the womb 113 
Dropsy .... 109 
Fainting . . . .79 
False waters . . .111 
Flatulence . . . .62 
. Flooding . . . .98 
Headache . . . .81 
Hysteria . . . .122 
Incontinence and retention 

of urine .... 117 
Inflammation . . . 116 
Insanity .... 122 
Irritability . . . .116 
Itching . . . .69 
Leucorrhcea . . . 112 
. Liver-spots . . . .67 
Mental disorders . . . 44 
Pain in the right side . . 72 

Pains 102 

Palpitation of the heart . 78 
Paralysis .... 120 

Piles 63 

Plethora .... 73 
Rigidity and laxity of the 

abdomen .... 117 

Salivation . . . .66 

Short breath ... 71 

Sleeplessness . . .89 

Spitting blood . . .72 

Toothache . . . .66 

Ulcerations. . . . 115 

Varicose-veins . . . 106 

Vertigo, dizziness . . 81 

Menstruation during . . 34 

Milk in the breasts as a sign of 36 

Morbid appetites during . 41 

Nausea and vomiting " . 36 

Occupation of the mother . 129 

Probable time of delivery . 40 

Purgatives in . . . .41 

Suppression of the menses as 

a sign of . . .34 



INDEX. 



447 



Pregnancy. 

Symptoms of, during first and 

second month . . .37 
Symptoms of, during third and 

fourth month . . .37 
Symptoms of, during fifth and 

sixth month . . .37 
Symptoms of, during seventh 

and eighth month . .38 
Symptoms of, during first fort- 
night of ninth month . .38 
Symptoms of, during last fort- 
night of ninth month . .38 
The mind during . . .41 
Time of quickening in . .39 
Tonics and liquors for woman 
in a state of . . .42 
Premature Birth . . .93 
Premonitory Signs- of labor . 140 
Preparation and Administra- 
tion of homoeopathic reme- 
dies 417 

Presentation of the new-born 

baby to the mother . . 151 
Procreation and Production 21 
Affected by menstruation . 345 
Prolapsus of the womb . 28, 114 
Pruritus . . . . .69 
Prussic Acid, poisoned by, anti- 
dotes and treatment . . 409 
Ptyalism {Salivation) as a sign 

of pregnancy . . .66 
Puberty, age of . . . .29 
Pulse as an indicator of disease 

in infants . . . . 223 
Pump, for the breast . . . 166 
Punctures, treatment of . .398 
Punishment of children at school 341 
Purgatives as a danger to preg- 
nant women . . .41 

Q. 

Quality of milk in nursing-wo- 
men 170 

Quantity of milk in nursing-wo- 
men 168 



PAGE. 

Quantity of blood lost at every 

menstruation . . . 343 

Questions to be asked in looking 

up a nurse .... 133 

Quickening, time and sensation 

of ..... 39 

Racahout as food for children . 199 
Raising a child by hand . . 191 
Rawness of the skin of infants . 257 
Reason, the, . . . 319-321 
Relation of the mind to the body 319 
Relaxation, hours of, at school 342 
Remittent-Fever of infants . 287 
Restlessness of children . . 228 
Restraint, effects of too much, 

on boys and girls . . 348 
Retention of Urine of pregnant 

women . 117 
After labor .... 154 
Of infants . . . .265 
Retroflection of the womb . 28 
Retroversion " 28, 114 
Rheumatism, after scarlet-fever 279 
Of the womb . . . .104 
Of the head .... 89 
Rice-Powder as food for chil- 
dren 197 

Riding, exercise for boys and 

girls 348 

Rigidity and Laxity of abdo- 
men during pregnancy . 117 
Room for women in labor . . 134 

Roseola? 287 

Rowing, as exercise for boys and 

girls 348 

Rubeolae 287 

Running of the ears . . . 289 
Rusks as food for children . . 197 



s. 

Sago as food for children . . 197 
Salivation as a sign of pregnancy 66 
Scalds and Burns, treatment of 394 
Scarlet-Fever, anginosa . .271 



448 



INDEX, 



PAGE. 

. 275 
. 274 
. 272 
. 276 



Scarlet-Fever, cautions in . 
Diet and regimen of 
Malignant .... 
Preventive treatment of 
Prognosis of, paralleled with. 

that of measles . 
Sequelae of ... 

Simple 271 

Symptoms paralleled with 

those of measles . 
Treatment of . 
Use of water in 
School, children at 

Bad effect of our, system 
Secretion of Milk, too abundant, 

of nursing-women 
Second Stage of labor 
Self- Abuse (see Onanism). 
Self-Gratification an instinct of 

all animals . 
Self-Preservation an instinct of 
all animals .... 
Semolina as food for children . 
Seventh and Eighth month of 
pregnancy .... 
Sequelae of scarlet-fever 

Of measles .... 

Of small-pox .... 

Sex, anticipation of the, before 

birth 

Shields for nipples 
Shortness of' Breath during 
pregnancy .... 
Sick-Headache .... 
Side, pain in the, during preg- 
nancy ..... 
Skin, affections of the, in children", 
eruptions from teething, 
from heat, and from indi- 
gestion .... 
Blue disease (cyanosis) of in- 
fants • 258 

Chafing ..... 257 
Dampness of the . . . 260 
Erysipelas .... 257 
Excoriations .... 257 
Jaundice .... 258 



273 

278 



269 
277 
276 
340 
341 

173 

144 



326 

326 
197 



278 
278 
297 

33 

180 

71 

84 

72 



256 



PAGE. 

Skin, jaundice of pregnant fe- 
males . . . . .68 
Liver-spots of pregnant wo- 
men 68 

Milk-crust of the . . .259 

Mumps 261 

Rawness 257 

The, as an indicator of disease 
of infants . . . . 224 
Slate, appetite for, during preg- 
nancy 52 

Sleep of infants . . . .203 
Rules regarding the . 203-339 
As an indicator of disease in 
infants . . ■ .285 
Sleeplessness of pregnant fe- 
males .... 89-109 
Of children . . . .228 
Slow and Feeble Contrac- 
tions of the womb during 

labor 152 

Small-Pox 280 

Snuffles (coryza) of infants. .229 
Soap as an antidote to poisons . 407 
Soda, and its preparations, poison- 
ed by, antidotes and treat- 
ment 410 

Softening of the stomach of in- 
fants 250 

Sons, why, go to the mother . 230 
Sore Mouth of infants . . 230 
Sore Throat . . . .297 
Spasms of children . . . 262 
Of the throat of children . 307 
Spasmodic Croup . . . 300 
Specific Diseases of childhood . 226 
Spitting of Blood of pregnant 

women . . . .73 
Spontaneous Miscarriage . 91 
Spots, brown, on the skin of preg- 
nant women . . .68 
Stages of Labor, first and 

second . . . 140-144 
Stealing, by children, not a 

natural propensity . . 329 

Sterility, causes of, among men 23, 24 

" " women 24 



INDEX. 



449 



PAGE. 

Sterility, period of, in woman . 24 
Stings of Insects . . .399 

Stomach, acidity of the . . 52 
Aversion to food . . .52 
Derangement of appetite . 52 
Desire for chalk . . .52 
« " slate ... 52 
" " dirt ... 52 
Disorders of tire, during preg- 
nancy . . . . .48 
Flatulence of the . . .52 
Indigestion . . . .52 
Morning-sickness . . .48 
Softening of the, of children . 250 
Want of appetite . . . 52 
Water-brash . . . .52 
Stool as an indicator of disease 

in infants .... 220 
Sugar as an antidote to poison . 407 
Sugar of JLeacU poisoned by, an- 
tidotes and treatments . 410 
Sulphate of Copper as an 

emetic in poisons . . 406 
Sulphate of lame as an emetic 

in poisons .... 406 
Sulphuric Acid, poisoned by, 

antidotes and treatment . 410 
Summer-Complaint. . . 242 
Suppression of the Menses as 

a sign of pregnancy . . 34 
Suspension of Pains during 

labor . . * . . .153 
Sweat, night, from excessive 

nursing .... 174 
Swelling, of the breast of infants 229 
Of the glands, after scarlet- 
fever 278 

Swimming as exercise for boys 

and girls .... 348 
Sympathy with children . . 205 
Symptoms of miscarriage . . 94 

T. 

Table of the proportions of the 
elements of food in different 
articles of diet . . .382 



Table of articles of diet allowed 

or forbidden during sickness 384 
Tartar-Emetic as an emetic in 

poisons . . . .405 
Tartaric Acid, poisoned by^ an- 
tidotes and treatment. . 409 
Teachers, sympathy of, with 

children .... 331 
Temperament and education af- 
fecting the happiness of 
married people . . .361 
Temperature as an indicator of 

disease in children . . 223 
Teething, a cause for change of 

diet 338 

And weaning .... 204 
Eruptions of the skin from . 256 
Process of . . .248 

Tetanus 125 

Third and Fourth Month of 

pregnancy . . . .37 

Thirst 380 

As an indicator of disease in 
infants . . . 217 

Throat, sore and ulcerated . . 297 

Thrush 231 

Tinctures of homoeopathic medi- 
cines, how prepared . . 417 
Tonsils, enlargement of the 297, 298 
Toothache . . . . 60-69 
Training of the senses of infants 210 
Tricks of Children, parents' in- 
dulgence for 331 
Triturations of homceopathic 

medicines, how prepared . 418 
True Croup . . . .301 
Tumors, simulating pregnancy . 35 
Twins, proportion of . . .22 



TJ. 

Ulcerated Sorethroat . . 297 
Unhappy Marriages . . 362 
Urea in the Blood, a cause of 
convulsions in pregnant wo- 
men 109 



450 



INDEX. 



Urine, attention to the, of the 

mother after delivery . . 154 
Gravel or calculi in the, of 

infants . . . .267 
Kyestein in the, as a sign of 

pregnancy . . . .36 
Incontinence of, in children . 266 
Incontinence and retention in 

pregnant women . .117 
Eetention of, in children . 265 
Eetention of the, of the mother 

after delivery . . 154, 155 

V. 

Vaccination . . . 208,209 

Vagina, inflammation of the, 

after delivery . . . 157 
Irritation of the, from leucor- 

rhcea ... . 112 
Itching of the ... 112 
Varicose Veins of pregnant wo- 
men 106 

Varioloid 283 

Veal-Broth as food for children 199 
Vegetable Poisons, antidotes 

and treatment . . . 411 
Veins, varicose, in pregnant wo- 
men 106 

Verdigris, poisoned by, antidotes 

and treatment . . . 409 
Vertigo, during pregnancy . .81 
From excessive nursing . 174 
Vinegar as' an antidote to poisons 407 
Virility, a period of life, indica- 
tions of 322, 323 
Vision, disturbed, during preg- 
nancy .... 108-120 
Disturbed, from excessive 
nursing .... 174 
Voice of infants as an indication 

of disease .... 225 
Vomiting, as a sign of pregnancy 36 
During labor .... 152 
Explanation of, during preg- 
nancy and labor . . .49 
Irrepressible . . . .50 



PAGX. 

Vomiting, of infants, as an indi- 
cation of disease . . . 217 
Regimen in . . . .51 
Treatment of . . . .54 

w. 

Walking and Airing infants . 204 
Want of Appetite during preg- 
nancy 52 

Washing and Bathing infants 200 
Water, poisoned by lead-pipes, 

treatment of 411 

Water-Brash, during pregnancy 52 
Water on the Brain, after scar- 
let-fever .... 279 
Waters, false, during pregnancy 111 
Bag of, during labor . . 141 
Weakness from excessive nurs- 
ing .... 174,175 
Weaning and Teething . . 204 
Wet-Nurse, diet and regimen for a 184 
Necessary qualities of a . . 185 
Selection of a . . . . 189 
Wetting the Bed . . .266 
Whites (see Leucorrhcea) . . 112 
White Lead, poisoned by, treat- 
ment of ... 411 
Woman, advice to a pregnant . 41 
Attention to the, after delivery 148 
Cautions in the treatment of, 

immediately after labor . 149 
Cautions to the company who 
visit the, immediately after 
delivery . 152 

Fertility of .... 22 
Medical treatment of, imme- 
diately after labor . . 149 
Not to help herself imme- 
diately after labor . . 149 
Should the, nurse her child 

immediately after delivery 151 
The, as a cause of miscarriage 91 
When, is liable to conception 30 
When company may be al- 
lowed to see the, after de- 
livery 151 



INDEX. 



451 



PAGE. 

Woman, when the, should nurse 

her own child, and when not 175 
Woman's Rights . . .342 
Womb, anteflexion of the . . 28 
Anteversion of the . . 28, 114 
Description of the . . .26 
Discharges from the, after de- 
livery (see Lochia). 
Disease of the, caused by the 

dress of girls . . . 354 
Displacement of the, during 
pregnancy .... 113 



Inflammation 
delivery 

Inflammation 
pregnancy 



of the, after 



of the, during 



157 



116 



PAGE. 

Womb, inversion of the . . 28 

Irritability of the, during 
pregnancy .... 116 

Lateral obliquities of the, dur- 
ing pregnancy . 

Pains in the . 

Preparations of the, for 
reception of the new 
ing 

Prolapsus of the 

Eetroflexion of the . 

Retroversion of the . 

Ulcerations of the, 
pregnancy . 
Whooping-Congh . 
Worms 



. 114 

103, 104 
the 
be- 
. 32 
. 28, 114 
. 28 
. 28, 114 
during 

. 115 
. 308 
. 252 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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